1
: a minor show offered in addition to a main exhibition (as of a circus)
2
: an incidental diversion or spectacle
Examples of sideshow in a Sentence
Their disagreement is just a political sideshow when compared to the real issues at hand.
Recent Examples on the Web
The governor pointed out that unlike in other cities, Oakland police cannot pursue people suspected of committing many felonies or any misdemeanor, such as reckless driving, sideshow activity, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
—
Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024
Some sideshows go on for hours, while others clear out in minutes to avoid law enforcement.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 11 July 2024
The charges carry up to four years in prison, and the trial may be the only one Trump sees before the November presidential election, with his out-of-state cases stagnating amid his appeals and various sideshow developments.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2024
In truth, that exchange was a late-innings sideshow of no significance to the case.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sideshow 
Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024
Some sideshows go on for hours, while others clear out in minutes to avoid law enforcement.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 11 July 2024
The charges carry up to four years in prison, and the trial may be the only one Trump sees before the November presidential election, with his out-of-state cases stagnating amid his appeals and various sideshow developments.
—Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 7 Mar. 2024
In truth, that exchange was a late-innings sideshow of no significance to the case.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for sideshow
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sideshow.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near sideshow
Cite this Entry
“Sideshow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideshow. Accessed 12 Sep. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
sideshow
noun
side·show
-ˌshō 
: a small show off to the side offered in addition to a main show (as of a circus)
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