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

On Sunday, the Phillies cut Shugart from the 40-man roster and demoted him to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, according to the official transaction log. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026

Matthew Brewer served as the Chicago Housing Authority board’s chair until Johnson sought to demote him amid a power struggle over who would be the next CEO of the nation’s third-largest public housing agency. — Alice Yin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Acquiring Vodnik cost Miami Norby (who played in 189 games for the Marlins across three seasons but was demoted to Triple A in June) and May (a pitcher prospect in High A). — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 2026

All of them have either been demoted from the Astros’ starting rotation or designated for assignment. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026