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 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 So when people are already experiencing this type of knee pain, doing quad-dominant exercises—like a forward lunge, step-down, or squat—can place even more stress on the knee and exacerbate symptoms. — Jenny McCoy, Outside, 24 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

The district has struggled financially for years before the latest reductions.

— Velvet Wu July 25, Sacbee.com, 25 July 2026
The precise impact of any individual funding reduction is difficult to quantify because the Ebola outbreak and its spread has been influenced by many factors, including political turmoil, armed conflict and mistrust in healthcare workers.

— Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Operating income was $224 million, a decrease of $17 million versus prior year, which the company attributed to higher direct operating expenses.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 23 July 2026
Even with the decrease, the Charlotte region continues to be a magnet for newcomers.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

Last school year the district experienced an enrollment drop of about 13,000 students, the Miami Herald reported and is projected to lose another 8,000 in the upcoming school year.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026
Besides Divinity, directed by Soderbergh protégé Eddie Alcazar, Willis used her own money to launch a clothing line, a venture that fizzled out after an initial drop.

— Gustavo Turner, HollywoodReporter, 24 July 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

An analysis from the Florida Policy Institute shows that the SNAP caseload has dropped in every Florida county, including a 10% decline in Miami-Dade County, from July 2025 to December 2026.

— Austin Horn July 22, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Investing in nature is crucial for building resilient food systems, combating malnutrition, and preventing economic decline.

— Jamie Hailstone, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of decline

Noun

The figure was weighed down by currency headwinds, which left a 200 million Swiss francs dent, and the production segment, as Swatch chose to keep factories and jobs intact rather than cut hours.

— Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
But there are so many programs in the code that are essentially unrelated to funding the government that one more barely makes a dent.

— Marie Sapirie, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026