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

Budget static-cling options will not hit those numbers, but even a modest reduction helps when your AC is already working overtime.

— Ryan Brennan, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2026
Parts and designs were standardized for the Phase II plants, which are 50 MW and on track for a more than 30% reduction in construction time.

— Pippa Stevens, CNBC, 5 Sep. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

The results are splendid when the duo is dealing, but when the line comes off the ice, the quality of play decreases.

— Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Twenty years later, Kopple embedded herself in Austin, Minnesota and covered the strike against the Hormel meatpacking plant enacted by 1,500 unionized workers, who had recently shouldered a significant wage decrease and benefit cut.

— Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

The head coach lauded improvements from the offensive line, said the running game got better in the second half and refused to throw receiver Romeo Doubs under the bus, noting that drops sometimes happen.

— Chad Graff, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Diamond drop earrings and rings, and a long crescent moon necklace, draped directly against her décolletage and plunging neckline.

— Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

The iconic desert cruiser turns out to be just a chunk of rubber and metal with believable scratches and dents.

— Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2026
The departures of Ethan Hurkett (8 sacks), Max Llewellyn (6 1/2) and Aaron Graves (5) put a big dent in the pass rush.

— John Bohnenkamp, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026