STEP DOWN Synonyms: 45 Similar and Opposite Words

step-down

noun

ˈstep-ˌdau̇n

Definition of step-down

as in reduction

the amount by which something is lessened took a huge step-down in income when she switched from a law career to one in social work

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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 step-down That means testifying before legislative committees, meeting with DHHS leadership, and advocating for sustained funding—not one-time fixes—for mental health beds, crisis stabilization units, and step-down facilities. — Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026 Some of the incumbent step-downs were due to the pursuit of a new job; in other cases, fresh initiatives dictated change. — Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026 Just beyond its foyer, a step-down living room with a fireplace offers a view of the lake, while a dining room (also with a fireplace) spills out onto a balcony overlooking the water. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2026 Men tend to age slowly with little step-downs, and women tend to have very sudden changes. — Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

Financial test The reduction highlights the financial challenges behind the AI infrastructure boom.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
It, and three other airline stocks, were sold by Warren Buffett at a loss in the first quarter of 2020 amid a massive reduction in air travel as the COVID-19 pandemic was gaining steam.

— Alex Crippen, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Most towns saw a decrease in Democratic turnout compared to 2018, but towns with competitive Congressional or state Democratic primaries were more likely to see an increase.

— Angela Eichhorst, Hartford Courant, 13 Aug. 2026
Despite police data that shows a sustained decrease in CTA crime, the agency continues to take heat on safety.

— Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

Unlike other meat products, the cost of chicken has seen little fluctuation in recent months, so much so that July’s 3-cent drop signaled the single biggest monthly change dating back to November 2024.

— Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
The critic who found a helpful narrative to understand the history, and future, of our images, without a drop of cynicism.

— Carlos Valladares, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

This decline could affect the annual value of his next contract.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Overall, patients who took estrogen-only hormone therapy for menopause were less likely to display signs of memory loss or cognitive decline or to be diagnosed with dementia.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

Noun

Will four of those dots always form the corners of a four-sided shape with no dents or crossed sides?

— Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
These are the practical finds that earn a permanent spot in your suitcase without putting a dent in your travel budget.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026