1 sideways | Definition of sideways
side·​ways | \ ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio) \

Definition of sideways

1 : from one side
2 : with one side forward turn sideways
3a : in a lateral direction or downward to one side hopped sideways slump sideways
b : askance look sideways at someone

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Synonyms for sideways

Synonyms

broadside, crabwise, edgeways [chiefly British], edgewise, sidewise

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Examples of sideways in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But things went sideways with his new team almost from the beginning. Creg Stephenson | [email protected], al, "Antonio Brown released by Oakland Raiders, reportedly headed to New England Patriots," 7 Sep. 2019 So much can go sideways, from injuries and standard malfunctions to officiating gaffes and bad bounces, that the margin of error for high-level success is thin as the seam on the ball. Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "Pac-12 football previews: The Jacob Eason era begins at Washington with a new defense and loaded division," 27 Aug. 2019 The vacation goes sideways with the Pulse massacre, when a 29-year-old gunman walked into a gay nightclub in Orlando a murdered 49 people. Robert Anglen, azcentral, "In 'Chase Darkness with Me,' Billy Jensen teaches you how to solve murders," 20 Aug. 2019 The man tilted his head, looked sideways and raised his weapon. Frances Stead Sellers, Washington Post, "Two Oklahoma citizens killed an active shooter, and it's not as simple as it sounds," 13 July 2018 Some look at him sideways, shy away or insult him to his face. Eric Adler, kansascity, "Unmasked: Inside the miraculous, mad, mysterious life of Dr. MooMoo," 17 June 2018 Because at the end of the day, people are going to continue looking at you sideways or turn their shoulder. Andrew Joseph, For The Win, "Landon Collins says Josh Allen would have to 'explain himself' after offensive tweets," 26 Apr. 2018 But the third inning was sideways on both sides from the very first batter. Kyle Newman, The Denver Post, "Rockies erase four-run deficit to beat Cubs, with Ryan McMahon’s RBI single the difference," 10 June 2019 The hat slanted sideways and featured a huge bouquet-like floral arrangement. Marina Liao, Marie Claire, "Kate Middleton Opts for a Cheery Yellow Outfit at Trooping the Colour," 8 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sideways.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sideways

1572, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

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More Definitions for sideways

sideways

adverb

English Language Learners Definition of sideways

: with one side facing forward
: to or toward the right or left side
side·​ways | \ ˈsīd-ˌwāz How to pronounce sideways (audio) \

Kids Definition of sideways

1 : from one side I looked at it sideways.
2 : with one side forward a sideways position He turned sideways to let me by.
3 : to one side a sideways move The statue fell sideways.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sideways

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with sideways

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sideways

Spanish Central: Translation of sideways

Nglish: Translation of sideways for Spanish Speakers