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

The lawsuit claimed that she was demoted to weekend desk shifts and, although she was told the assignment was temporary until a replacement was hired, no person was. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Aug. 2026

The individual responsible for the racist act was subsequently demoted and suspended for 48 hours without pay. — Christa Swanson, CBS News, 16 Aug. 2026

But the company has decided to demote the blob-like character from the Copilot app. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 14 Aug. 2026

Six months later, a disillusioned Stapleton resigned, claiming she had been demoted during the most recent restructuring as retaliation for helping to spearhead the walkout. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Aug. 2026