variants
or step downs
also stepdowns
as in decreases
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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Recent Examples of step-downs
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
Men tend to age slowly with little step-downs, and women tend to have very sudden changes.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics revisions show a sharp slowdown in payroll growth in the second quarter of 2025, with the biggest step-downs in low-wage industries such as retail, wholesale, leisure, and hospitality.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025
Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 16 Feb. 2026
Men tend to age slowly with little step-downs, and women tend to have very sudden changes.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 27 Jan. 2026
Recent Bureau of Labor Statistics revisions show a sharp slowdown in payroll growth in the second quarter of 2025, with the biggest step-downs in low-wage industries such as retail, wholesale, leisure, and hospitality.
—Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-downs
Noun
-
Following significant reforms in 2022 and 2023, 18 new carriers have entered the market, and dozens have filed for rate decreases, some by double digits.—
Chuck Bonfiglio,
Sun Sentinel,
14 June 2026
-
In reaction to pay decreases and general concerns around the cost of living, SEIU Local 1000 has sought legislative and contract relief in the form of a 20% wage increase from 2026 to 2028.—
Evelyn Ronan,
Sacbee.com,
11 June 2026
Noun
-
The leadership team aimed to protect the product roadmap and innovation capacity, while directing most reductions to G&A, sales and marketing, and corporate functions.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
15 June 2026
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Among the products highlighted during the earnings call were popular Kirkland Signature items that received noticeable price reductions.—
Kait Hanson,
Southern Living,
15 June 2026
Noun
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The stunt took place just yards from the waterfalls, where fast-moving water rushes toward steep drops.—
Kelly McGreal,
FOXNews.com,
11 June 2026
-
Combine 2 cups of water, 1 teaspoon of liquid soap, 10 drops of peppermint oil, and 10 drops of garlic extract in a spray bottle and shake well.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
11 June 2026
Noun
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One of the most influential explanations for why desire thrives (or declines) over time comes from self-expansion theory, developed by psychologists Arthur and Elaine Aron, which argues that humans are motivated to grow, learn and broaden their sense of self throughout life.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2026
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Orlando, Jacksonville, Nashville, Phoenix — the cities with the most new permits issued in 2023 — also posted the steepest rent declines since.—
Ivan Barratt,
Fortune,
14 June 2026
Noun
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In addition to the two smaller punctures, there were also dents and creases.—
Jesse Zanger,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
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From there, observe any dents, soft spots or cracks.—
Alexandra Frost,
USA Today,
25 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-downs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-downs. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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