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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Recent Examples of demote
The decision makers who denied Ames a promotion and demoted her were not gay.
—
Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
In the work of Jewish artists such as Woody Allen and Philip Roth, she was reduced to a punch line—and, worse, demoted to a walk-on.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Pluralism and racial justice have been demoted in the zeitgeist, as Trump has returned to office on a mission to purge the government, and much of society, of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 8 June 2025
With the Mets tentatively planning to activate Vientos on Monday, Mauricio is the likely candidate to demote.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for demote
Michelle Travis, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025
In the work of Jewish artists such as Woody Allen and Philip Roth, she was reduced to a punch line—and, worse, demoted to a walk-on.
—Emily Nussbaum, New Yorker, 9 June 2025
Pluralism and racial justice have been demoted in the zeitgeist, as Trump has returned to office on a mission to purge the government, and much of society, of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
—/ Cbs News, CBS News, 8 June 2025
With the Mets tentatively planning to activate Vientos on Monday, Mauricio is the likely candidate to demote.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for demote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demote
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
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This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
Verb
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So far, nearly 60,000 federal employees have been dismissed, with the State Department layoffs marking the latest round of cuts.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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With the reciprocal tariffs, Trump is dismissing the rules governing world trade.—
Aamer Madhani,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demote. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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