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 hospital floor—or the step-down unit or neuro ICU—is where patients begin to get better. — Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2026 Standing out is a fireside living room, which connects to a wet bar and a step-down billiards room. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 July 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

On winding roads, its model-specific suspension tuning and focus on weight reduction translate into exceptional body control at speed without becoming brittle or overly rigid in slower, more technical sections.

— Bradley Iger, Robb Report, 16 Oct. 2026
Yet their willingness to talk, listen, and imagine what had seemed impossible helped lay the groundwork for historic nuclear arms reductions.

— Halla Tómasdóttir, Time, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Illinois saw a 15 percent uptick in live-action film and TV series shooting in-state but saw spending decrease in the quarter.

— Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2026
The company reported net revenues of $865 million in the second quarter, a year-over-year decrease of about $65 million.

— Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

With stimulus checks gone and student loan payments back, Maggiulli suggests the drop may partly be a return to normal.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
For instance, the company launched its bronzing drops because community members asked for them on a TikTok live, and created a pickle lip balm because pickles were a huge trend on social media.

— Colleen McKown, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

But energy policy experts say that the new pact is unlikely to make a dent in painfully high prices at the pump or elsewhere.

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The messages put a dent in Segal’s version of that image, and offer a glimpse at parts of an Israeli media that has grown very close to its prime minister.

— Ben Smith, semafor.com, 12 Oct. 2026