sidestep

American  

[sahyd-step] / ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb (used without object)

sidestepped, sidestepping

1. to step to one side.

2. to evade or avoid a decision, problem, or the like.

---

verb (used with object)

sidestepped, sidestepping

1. to avoid or dodge by stepping aside.

2. to evade or avoid (a decision, problem, or the like).

sidestep British  

/ ˈsaɪdˌstɛp /

verb

1. to step aside from or out of the way of (something)

2. (tr) to dodge or circumvent

---

noun

1. a movement to one side, as in dancing, boxing, etc

Other Word Forms

• sidestepper noun

Etymology

Origin of sidestep

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

When asked how he would restore the world’s confidence in the United States if he were to become president, Newsom sidestepped.

From Los Angeles Times

“Apart from education, no other industry has sidestepped the forces of digital disruption like healthcare,” writes Robert Wachter in “A Giant Leap: How AI Is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Many investors are hoping to sidestep the Grim Reaper of AI, reduce their exposure to the biggest technology stocks and still earn decent returns by beefing up their positions in these boring companies.

From The Wall Street Journal

There is certainly appetite for using VPNs to try to sidestep censorship.

From Barron's

I don’t want you to think I’m sidestepping that, or excusing it, or even forgiving it; it’s not for me to forgive, anyhow.

From Literature

Related Words

• avoid
• bypass
• duck
• evade
• fudge
• skirt