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 Even the base Luxury King and Luxury Two Queen weigh in at around 650 square feet, with a step-down living area that makes work trips feel less like working out of your bedroom. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

Every reduction in violence strengthens our communities and makes Arkansas safer for the people who call it home.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
The state’s climate goals aim for economy-wide, net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with interim targets of 45% reduction by 2030 and 65% by 2040, all relative to 2001 levels.

— Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

Survey data published last week show a sharp decrease in violent crime from 2024 to 2025, which is consistent with FBI numbers released last summer.

— Jacob Sullum, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2026
Industry nonprofit Brewers Association reports a year-over-year decrease of breweries by nearly 3%.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 12 Nov. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

But after five years, that drop didn't translate into saving people from suffering cardiovascular complications.

— Rob Stein, NPR, 7 Nov. 2026
Acknowledgement of the defensive limitations of certain rotation components could have potentially forestalled the drop to defensive depths.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 Nov. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

Prices have dipped about 40 cents over the past month, with much of that decline happening in the past two weeks.

— Willa Rubin, NPR, 11 Nov. 2026
The decline in oil demand was in part because high prices forced consumers around the world to make some painful decisions about their energy usage.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2026