1
as in to leave
to give up (a job or office)
with the advent of his 90th birthday, he could no longer resist calls for him to step down from chairmanship of the board
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to resign
to give up (as a position of authority) formally
even in the face of a palace revolt, Queen Elizabeth I refused to step down from the throne
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step down (from)
Verb
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A little bit of Paris is leaving Findlay Market when French Crust Cafe & Bistro shuts down at 4 p.m. Sunday.—
FOX19 NOW,
The Enquirer,
23 Aug. 2025 -
Sunglasses and water bottles were strung out around campus during the chaos, leaving a crowded, makeshift lost and found table.—
Shane Brennan,
USA Today,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
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When Sasse abruptly resigned as president last July, citing his wife’s health issues, the majority of his cabinet staff – including Schwinn – were not reappointed, the Florida Independent Alligator reported.—
Vivian Jones,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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Facing impeachment and a federal investigation into bid-rigging involving gifts and favors from state contractors, Rowland resigned July 1, 2004 at nearly the midpoint of his third term.—
Mark Pazniokas,
Hartford Courant,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Jones is not relinquishing his strong negotiating position Jones and Parsons would meet in March to discuss the linebacker’s role on the team going forward.—
Steve Silverman,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
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While a strong federal government may be central to the Democratic Party's identity, maintaining that objective likely requires relinquishing control from the capital and encouraging state politicos to explore new ways to achieve success.—
Alex J. Rouhandeh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Verb
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So far, however, Trump’s allies in Congress have almost wholly abdicated this role, and although lower courts have issued injunctions against some of the administration’s actions and policies, the Supreme Court has repeatedly found ways to expand executive power.—
MICHAEL JOHNSTON,
Foreign Affairs,
6 Aug. 2025
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However, don’t bypass all the details and abdicate your leadership. 4.—
Anne Sugar,
Forbes.com,
23 July 2025
Verb
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Hope Anne, a 1-year-old Labrador retriever Meet Hope Anne — a bouncy, lovable black Lab mix with a heart full of joy and a tail that just won’t quit.—
Trish Stinger,
Kansas City Star,
20 Aug. 2025
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While quitting a job is sometimes the right answer, circumstances—such as financial obligations, location constraints, or a challenging job market—often make staying the better (or only) option.—
Dorie Clark,
Harvard Business Review,
20 Aug. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Step down (from).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step%20down%20%28from%29. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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