demote

de·mote | \ di-ˈmōt

How to pronounce demote (audio)

, ˌdē- \

demoted; demoting

Definition of demote

transitive verb

1 : to reduce to a lower grade or rank demote a student was demoted from major to captain

2 : to relegate to a less important position a pitcher demoted to the bullpen

Other Words from demote Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about demote

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Examples of demote in a Sentence

Teachers can choose to demote a student to a lower grade. The army major was demoted to captain.

Recent Examples on the Web The Navy then demoted him, but President Trump ordered Gallagher's full rank to be restored and demanded the Navy not to take away his Trident. — David Martin, CBS News, "After Trump intervenes in war crimes case, 3 more Navy SEALs escape accountability," 27 Nov. 2019 But the Navy ultimately demoted the chief, who was convicted of one charge: bringing discredit to the armed forces by posing for photos with the teenage captive’s dead body. — BostonGlobe.com, "Navy may expel SEAL, defying Trump - The Boston Globe," 24 Nov. 2019 But the Navy ultimately demoted the chief, who was convicted of one charge: bringing discredit to the armed forces by posing for photos with the teenage captive’s dead body. — Maggie Haberman, New York Times, "Navy Is Said to Proceed With Disciplinary Plans Against Edward Gallagher," 23 Nov. 2019 Getting fired or laid off, losing clients, being demoted, getting overwhelmed and missing deadlines, actually causing harm to someone. — Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, "Working Strategies: Doing what scares you in your career," 26 Oct. 2019 After the discovery and ensuing conversation, the International Astronomical Union demoted Pluto to dwarf-planet status. — Lee Roop | Lroop@al.com, al, "Alabama-born ‘Pluto killer’ back in battle over planet’s ‘demotion’," 2 Sep. 2019 In August 2015, the church demoted her to another ministerial position. — Eric Heisig, cleveland.com, "Minister sues Cleveland-based United Church of Christ, says she endured racial and gender harassment," 22 Aug. 2019 Outfielder demoted: To clear a roster spot for Logan Webb the Giants optioned Joey Richard to Triple-A Sacramento. — Henry Schulman, SFChronicle.com, "Giants need to get struggling relief stalwart Tony Watson ‘back on track’," 17 Aug. 2019 Righthander Jeff Hoffman and lefty Sam Howard were brought up from Triple A and Antonio Senzatela demoted, after allowing six runs in 1 1/3 innings on Saturday. — Ronald Blum, courant.com, "Paxton stumbles again as Rockies beat Yankees," 21 July 2019

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

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Dictionary Entries near demote

demotic Egyptian

Statistics for demote

Last Updated

7 Dec 2019

Cite this Entry

“Demote.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demotes. Accessed 9 December 2019.

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