sidestep
verb (used without object)
to step to one side.
had sidestepped
-
past perfectof sidestep.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Prior to that, she had sidestepped the firing line of the controversy around Epstein and I think may have continued to do so, albeit without calling herself Duchess of York, had that not happened."
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2025
"Of course this line of research is not 'recognized' as a science in our state," Askey wrote, explaining that she had sidestepped hearings that would have been required to assess the method's legitimacy.
From Salon ● Jan. 1, 2023
The inspector general’s office opened an investigation into whether Zinke had been improperly influenced and had sidestepped the recommendations of career staff members at the Interior Department to approve the casino application.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 24, 2022
The report found that Baylor had sidestepped scandal “based to a certain extent on luck.”
From Seattle Times ● Jan. 19, 2020
He had sidestepped the abyss yet one more time.
From "The House of the Spirits: A Novel" by Isabel Allende
