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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

Amid concerns of a further reduction in precipitation and runoff, the canal operator has already imposed multiple draft restrictions for larger Neopanamax vessels to limit the amount of freight carried through the channel.

— Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 21 Aug. 2026
For others, a substitute would require redesigning the component or accepting a performance reduction.

— Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Between June 15 and July 15, officials said the cameras issued an average of 2,800 violations per day, a 26% decrease.

— Tim Fang, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026
Using birdwatching and policy data from more than 2,300 counties across China, a new analysis found that areas with stricter policies enforcing solar energy development have seen decreases in bird diversity over the last 10 years.

— Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

But with a production goal of ten vehicles a year, the rocket won’t make a meaningful dent in the global need for launch capacity.

— Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 Aug. 2026
There was a closet full of phones people had thrown at the wall and dents in the drywall nobody ever explained.

— Jeff Rabhan, Rolling Stone, 14 Aug. 2026