as in firings
the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank
anyone who objects will get a demotion
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Recent Examples of demotions
The cautionary tales are bottomless, from Reading and Blackburn Rovers’ respective demotions in England two seasons ago to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and ASJ Soyaux in France, who this year were forced to collapse due to structural vulnerabilities.
—
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Word of the demotions came early in the spring semester, but the cuts take effect on July 1.
—Katie Servas, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
But the plaintiffs’ concerns were ignored and, in 2019, the department retaliated by starting Internal Affairs investigations and imposing a series of negative work actions against the officers, including demotions, removals from specialized assignments and involuntary transfers, suit stated.
—City News Service, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
In Newark, 49 sergeants and 23 lieutenants who manage and supervise departments could face demotions if the results of their 2019 civil service exams are thrown out, according to the president of the city's Superior Officers' Association.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
An attorney for two other administrators who sued over their demotions said Monday that their lawsuit is still pending.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
Other penalties include fines up to $1000 or demotions.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Some of the agents had been reassigned earlier this year, in what were widely seen as demotions, The Washington Post reported.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
The airline has already announced furloughs and demotions of hundreds of pilots.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Megan Feringa, New York Times, 27 May 2026
Word of the demotions came early in the spring semester, but the cuts take effect on July 1.
—Katie Servas, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
But the plaintiffs’ concerns were ignored and, in 2019, the department retaliated by starting Internal Affairs investigations and imposing a series of negative work actions against the officers, including demotions, removals from specialized assignments and involuntary transfers, suit stated.
—City News Service, Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026
In Newark, 49 sergeants and 23 lieutenants who manage and supervise departments could face demotions if the results of their 2019 civil service exams are thrown out, according to the president of the city's Superior Officers' Association.
—Christine Sloan, CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025
An attorney for two other administrators who sued over their demotions said Monday that their lawsuit is still pending.
—Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Dec. 2025
Other penalties include fines up to $1000 or demotions.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Some of the agents had been reassigned earlier this year, in what were widely seen as demotions, The Washington Post reported.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
The airline has already announced furloughs and demotions of hundreds of pilots.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demotions
Noun
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The allegations include racial harassment, discriminatory assignments, pay inequality, retaliation, failure to prevent discrimination and harassment, and unequal treatment in areas including discipline, promotions, firings, and constructive discharges.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
27 May 2026
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There’s no telling where the Red Sox would have been at this point if the firings hadn’t happened.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Noun
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Since 2022, the company has delivered more than $5bn in structural cost reductions while maintaining a strong balance sheet and generating significant cash flow.—
Sam Birchall,
Fortune,
8 June 2026
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Elevated inflation and a hot jobs report last week has pushed back expectations of any further reductions happening this year.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
8 June 2026
Noun
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Ivan Juric failed, even as a Gasperini disciple, to provide continuity and struggled for credibility after his dismissals from Roma and Southampton last season.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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The Town Council experienced a wave of upheaval in 2025 amid executive actions, member dismissals, resignations and public criticism.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demotions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demotions. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.
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