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

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