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sideways Synonyms

Another word for sideways

Choosing another word for sideways depends on context, so the 24 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 5 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• adverb (Context 1)

Toward or from one side; laterally.

Usage Example

"Crabs naturally scuttle sidewise across the wet sand."

Strongest
sidewise
laterally
Strong
sidelong
sideward
sidewards
crabwise

• adjective (Context 2)

Directed, moving, or facing toward or from one side; lateral.

Usage Example

"She gave her colleague a quick sidewise glance during the presentation."

Strongest
sidewise
sidelong
lateral
Strong
sideward
oblique
indirect

• adverb (Context 3)

With one side facing forward or positioned horizontally.

Usage Example

"We had to turn the sofa sidewise to fit it through the narrow hallway."

Strongest
sidewise
edgeways
edgewise
Strong
horizontally
flatways
broadside

• adverb (Context 4)

Into an unexpected, unfavorable, or chaotic state (especially in 'go sideways').

Usage Example

"The corporate merger went awry after the two executive teams disagreed on the budget."

Strongest
awry
amiss
south
Strong
wrong
haywire
pear-shaped
astray
badly

• adjective (Context 5)

Involving a transfer to a position of equivalent rank or responsibility rather than a promotion, or exhibiting little net change in price or value.

Usage Example

"Accepting the new role in the regional office was a lateral move that broadened his management experience."

Strongest
lateral
horizontal
Strong
flat

Opposites of sideways

The opposite of sideways shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

forward
vertical
upright
smoothly
forwards
direct
straight
upward
See all opposites of sideways

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Sideways. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/sideways
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