Synonyms of demote

demote

verb

di-ˈmōt 

as in to reduce

to bring to a lower grade or rank

the court-martial's decision was to demote the officer responsible for the failed mission

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• dismiss
• degrade
• sack
• downgrade
• fire
• can
• bust
• humiliate
• demean
• downsize
• break
• disrate
• debase
• lay off
• abase
• lower
• humble
• cashier

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• promote
• raise
• advance
• elevate
• hire

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of demote

But in the process, the department demoted theology, a field that some had targeted for enjoying professional status when nursing did not. — Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Sanchez was never able to match that success though, and was eventually traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2014, where he was ultimately demoted to the role of backup quarterback. — Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

She was transferred against her wishes from ELAC to Pierce College in Woodland Hills in May 1989 and was demoted from journalism head to an instructor, according to Times reporting. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026

With their postseason hopes dashed, Blashill demoted Burakovsky to the fourth line April 4 in Seattle while the coach experimented with lines to end the season. — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 2026