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

The district plans to make about $1 million in reductions during the 2027-28 academic year regardless of the referendum, according an infographic from the district.

— Elena Tittel, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
Schmidt expects that kind of workforce reduction to become more common as AI makes businesses more efficient.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Although the decrease in shot volume wasn’t quite as dramatic, Giddey went 1-for-10 from the field and scored only two points in Wednesday’s brutal beatdown by the Raptors.

— Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026
The Clippers have the largest decrease in the NBA in average age between their current roster and the group that was active for last year's season opener, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.

— CBS News, CBS News, 22 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

Among the relics of its decline is a hulking complex of rusted pipes, towers and conveyor belts in Delano, just five miles north of the McFarland chipping yard.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
The stock was down -7% in premarket trading Wednesday, to under $64/share, a decline of nearly 30% year-to-date to the lowest point since August 2024.

— Todd Spangler, Variety, 21 Oct. 2026