1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
a singing career on the downgrade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in downhill
a downward slope
the gentle downgrade of the parking area is designed for drainage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to demote
to bring to a lower grade or rank
increased automation resulted in many jobs in the factory being downgraded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to diminish the price or value of
the company's filing for Chapter 11 downgraded the stock to the point where it was selling for pennies a share
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of downgrade
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
22 June 2026
Beyond its immediate financial ramifications, the deeper cost of an MSCI downgrade is reputational, Kurlantzick argues.
—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
1 July 2026
All orders have since been downgraded to warnings, meaning evacuees can return home.
—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for downgrade
Noun
The downgrade reflects the agency’s belief that the district’s general fund and reserves have deteriorated quickly because the board failed to make timely budget cuts and increased ongoing spending without matching revenue growth, the agency said.
—
Chaewon Chung,
Sacbee.com,
22 June 2026
Beyond its immediate financial ramifications, the deeper cost of an MSCI downgrade is reputational, Kurlantzick argues.
—
Angelica Ang,
Fortune,
22 June 2026
Verb
In the decades since, it was downgraded to a subspecies of Chinese pangolin.
—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
1 July 2026
All orders have since been downgraded to warnings, meaning evacuees can return home.
—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for downgrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downgrade
Noun
-
The National Institute of Standards and Technology said long-term corrosion and the failure of multiple slab-to-column connections likely contributed to a progressive collapse after weeks of structural deterioration.
-
Heston is at his most gleefully cynical as Robert Thorn, a police detective who lives and works in a New York City decimated by environmental deterioration and dwindling resources.
Noun
-
Atlanta could use a downhill, athletic guard next to CJ McCollum, Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker who can get half-court paint touches.
-
Spanning 7,045 yards from the tips, this is a fun and fair thrill ride right from your opening downhill tee shot.
Verb
-
Crowley, who was demoted to another position, filed a lawsuit against the city, saying the mayor engaged in a retaliation campaign.
-
With Wells expected back, the Yankees will have to demote one of their incumbent catchers.
Verb
-
New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
-
The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
Adverb
-
Two lateral skylights direct natural light downward, nourishing the tree and creating a bright, airy atmosphere.
-
The sides slope downward in such a way that your spoon is suited to scoop just the right amount of whatever’s in it, while the bowl feels heavy and luxe.
Noun
-
Surveys showing a decline in Americans who see democracy as important.
-
This decision stems from chronic staffing shortages, crumbling infrastructure, budget constraints, and a substantial decline in the federal inmate population, which peaked in 2013 and has since fallen by nearly 30%.
Noun
-
Hike in pristine wilderness, go for a dip in Lake Siskiyou or Castle Lake, or get on a rushing river with a local outfitter.
-
The grocer opened its doors to customers on June 17 and is the first H-E-B to offer Masala House, an H-E-B product line of in-house meal options like chicken masala, butter chicken, naan, chutney dips and other items.
Adverb
-
Rather than designing a luxury escape filled with domestic gadgets, the architects have shaped a home that encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
-
As for the hosts, mosquitoes track people (and their blood) down by detecting carbon dioxide, body heat, sweat and body odor.
Cite this Entry
“Downgrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downgrade. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
