1
as in deteriorations
a change to a lower state or level
a singing career on the downgrade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dips
a downward slope
the gentle downgrade of the parking area is designed for drainage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in demotes
to bring to a lower grade or rank
increased automation resulted in many jobs in the factory being downgraded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in reduces
to diminish the price or value of
the company's filing for Chapter 11 downgraded the stock to the point where it was selling for pennies a share
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of downgrades
Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Dabrowski, the former president of the Wirepoints conservative policy advocacy group, also noted that past state credit rating downgrades under previous governors were signs of fiscal mismanagement.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
How to Avoid Getting Downgraded While downgrades are almost entirely out of your control, there are a few factors that can work in your favor.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
But given a wave of recent concern about the bank’s lending approach — evidenced by two ratings downgrades by Fitch and Moody’s this year — the change of guard holds the potential for shaping Afreximbank in Elombi’s image.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
London time, perhaps reflecting the fact that credit rating downgrades were expected in the days after the collapse of former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's government on Monday following a confidence vote.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
In contrast, several notable S&P 500 stocks fell sharply, driven by a mix of earnings outlook revisions, regulatory risk, downgrades, demand concerns, and leadership changes.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Earlier updates during the same period showed higher probabilities, with some forecasts seeing formation chances as high as 90 percent prior to the recent downgrades.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
Whether through complete disconnection or selective downgrades, people are carving out space from the algorithmic grind.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2025
Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
The ratings downgrades by two major credit ratings agencies reflects growing risk of a debt default by Brightline, possibly by early next year.
—Tom Hudson, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
To recap, Anastasia Beverly Hills missed a term payment on its $650 million loan in August and paid the price with downgrades to its credit rating from both Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service.
—Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Dabrowski, the former president of the Wirepoints conservative policy advocacy group, also noted that past state credit rating downgrades under previous governors were signs of fiscal mismanagement.
—Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026
How to Avoid Getting Downgraded While downgrades are almost entirely out of your control, there are a few factors that can work in your favor.
—Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 28 Oct. 2025
But given a wave of recent concern about the bank’s lending approach — evidenced by two ratings downgrades by Fitch and Moody’s this year — the change of guard holds the potential for shaping Afreximbank in Elombi’s image.
—Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025
London time, perhaps reflecting the fact that credit rating downgrades were expected in the days after the collapse of former Prime Minister Francois Bayrou's government on Monday following a confidence vote.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
In contrast, several notable S&P 500 stocks fell sharply, driven by a mix of earnings outlook revisions, regulatory risk, downgrades, demand concerns, and leadership changes.
—Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Earlier updates during the same period showed higher probabilities, with some forecasts seeing formation chances as high as 90 percent prior to the recent downgrades.
—Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Sep. 2025
Whether through complete disconnection or selective downgrades, people are carving out space from the algorithmic grind.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
Rothschild & Co Redburn downgrades Warner Bros Discovery to neutral from buy The firm says the chances of a higher bid are lower.
—Michael Bloom, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026
The ratings downgrades by two major credit ratings agencies reflects growing risk of a debt default by Brightline, possibly by early next year.
—Tom Hudson, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downgrades
Noun
-
Snacking may help prevent blood sugar dips and spikes that occur when meals are spaced too far apart.—
Brittany Lubeck,
Verywell Health,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Swapping yogurt for sour cream in dips or on tacos is another suggestion from Woods.—
Kirsten Nunez,
Martha Stewart,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This abundance reduces material costs and supply chain risks.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Removing whey from yogurt reduces the amount of carbs and sugar and concentrates more protein per ounce as a result.—
Kristen Gasnick,
Verywell Health,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Studies have shown, however, that buybacks account for significant declines in mass shootings.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
15 Feb. 2026
-
However, as oil production declines and fossil fuel companies increasingly become insolvent, California regulators worry taxpayers may have to assume the costs to plug these wells.—
Tony Briscoe,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
So even if the effective tax rate falls, prices aren’t likely to sink for consumers because of the ruling Friday.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Then, make your way over to the Blue Ridge Rapids to float past the artificial falls.—
Stacey Leasca,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
This timing difference explains why a tax credit lowers your tax bill before penalties or collections begin, while tax relief applies after a tax balance exists.—
Adam Palasciano,
USA Today,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Plus, the lack of bulky seams lowers the risk of getting blisters.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Grave of the Fireflies is about the horrors and degradations of war.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
For Parisian Jews in 1941 and 1942, these thefts were compounded by a cascade of other degradations, including the loss of distinguished positions at the Sorbonne, in banking, science, and medicine, with more devastation to come.—
Christopher C. Gorham
September 29,
Literary Hub,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The prospect of Shiffrin pairing with Lindsey Vonn, who’s excelled in the downhills this season, to fight for USA gold surely has NBC execs salivating.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
29 Jan. 2026
-
It's claimed to still handle short downhills well and provide a good glide on flat surfaces.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Other indoor amenities include a wooden study with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, a finished basement for casual hangs, and a sauna.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
17 Dec. 2025
-
Best Top and Sweater Deals ‘Tis the season for cute, cozy sweaters and tops that work for both casual hangs and holiday outings.—
Amber Love Bond,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Downgrades.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downgrades. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
