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
There followed a surreal half-time chat between Chapman and Poyet about his dismissal, with the game relegated to a sideshow, as fellow pundit Efan Ekoku shifted awkwardly in his seat.
—
Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
After the spotlight faded, he was sold to a sideshow and lived in poor conditions until an Ohio businessman helped raise the funds to rescue him.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Despite the talent of Phoenix and Melina, the match was relegated to a mere sideshow, overshadowed by celebrity appearances and comedic segments.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Perhaps the notion of incorporating Canada into the U.S. will remain a sideshow.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
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Tom Burrows, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025
After the spotlight faded, he was sold to a sideshow and lived in poor conditions until an Ohio businessman helped raise the funds to rescue him.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 6 Apr. 2025
Despite the talent of Phoenix and Melina, the match was relegated to a mere sideshow, overshadowed by celebrity appearances and comedic segments.
—Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Apr. 2025
Perhaps the notion of incorporating Canada into the U.S. will remain a sideshow.
—Niall Stanage, The Hill, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for sideshow
Cite this Entry
“Sideshow.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sideshow. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.
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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