DEMOTE Synonyms: 24 Similar and Opposite Words

demote

verb

di-ˈmōt

Definition of demote

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

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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 demote One of those spots could go to right-hander Adrian Houser, who was demoted from the rotation to the bullpen following extended struggles. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 3 Aug. 2026 Two weeks after Kowalski's retirement, interim Police Chief Ken Myers demoted everyone involved. — Kelsy Mittauer, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026 Backup guard Caedan Wallace, who has seemingly been demoted to third team, and backup tackle James Hudson left at different points with injuries. — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 1 Aug. 2026 Put simply, Romo's contract would preclude most executives from demoting him from the Super Bowl with two years left on his current deal. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for demote

Recent Examples of Synonyms for demote

Verb

Studies show that drinking more fluid—preferably water—can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence.

— MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
The White Worm, who styled herself as a peacetime consigliere, is reduced to obsolescence by the promise of all-out war.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

But by the time of his indictment, Lorch was in failing health and found incompetent to stand trial, and lawsuits against him and the church were dismissed due to statute of limitations issues.

— Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 13 Aug. 2026
The lawsuit was dismissed Monday without prejudice, meaning the case may be filed again.

— Riley Moser, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of dismiss

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demos

demote

demoted

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“Demote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demote. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of demote

verb

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