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 The step-down hearing held on February 28, 2025, was the fourth attempt to step my client down from the state hospital and my second attempt as his counsel. — Schnelle Tonge, Sun Sentinel, 16 July 2026 The result is a stretch of below-average temperatures across much of the eastern two-thirds of the country, with a noticeable step-down in conditions compared to earlier in the week. — Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

The successor stadium is significantly larger—by over a half-a-million square feet—than what existed before while accommodating only 35,000 fans, a 26% reduction from the old stadium and, by far, the smallest capacity in the Big Ten.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
According to a district webpage, the bulk of the reduction plan will be implemented this school year.

— Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

With a decrease in revenue, some or all of these services will be cut back.

— Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
The district reported decreases in the number of students who are low-income, English language learners or in temporary living situations.

— Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

One play before the touchdown, Cobb made up for his earlier drop with a catch-and-run on a screen pass that went for 46 yards and moved the ball to the Kennesaw State 2.

— Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
The travel-booking company also says that travelers headed to major cities for Thanksgiving or Christmas could see a price drop for hotels in the last 24-48 hours before the holiday.

— Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

That was a sharp decline from the previous few years, when more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses.

— Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
But the new report, which also presents trends over the past decade, shows a decline in suicidal thinking and behaviors, which initially showed up in the 2023 YRBS data.

— Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026