step aside

verb

stepped aside; stepping aside; steps aside

intransitive verb

: to withdraw from one's position or occupation : step down

Synonyms of step aside

• leave
• retire (from)
• resign (from)
• quit
• step down (from)

Examples of step aside in a Sentence

a newscaster who knew when it was time to step aside from the anchor desk and let a younger person take over

the prime minister was compelled to step aside from his office when it was demonstrated that he had violated the public trust

Recent Examples on the Web

Norström and Söderström assumed the roles of co-CEOs at the start of 2026, as founder Daniel Ek stepped aside as CEO to become executive chairman. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 28 Apr. 2026

Before stepping aside to support Trump in August 2024, Kennedy was polling at 9 to 12% in key battleground states like Arizona and Virginia—the strongest showing for any third-party candidate. —Isabel Vincent, Vanity Fair, 27 Apr. 2026

Field had no regrets about stepping aside. —Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 27 Apr. 2026

This paper editorialized in support of that petition and encouraged the state’s attorney to voluntarily step aside. —Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for step aside

• actinide
• aldehyde
• alkoxide
• alongside
• amplified
• arsenide
• beautified
• biocide
• butoxide
• calcified
• ceramide
• certified