STEPPING DOWN Synonyms: 18 Similar and Opposite Words

stepping down

noun

as in retirement

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for stepping down

Noun

Roth announced his retirement in 2021, but has since returned to the stage.

— Rachel DeSantis, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Other acceptable photo IDs include retirement center, neighborhood association, public assistance, veteran health or government employee IDs.

— Ruth Abramovitz, Sun Sentinel, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of retirement

Noun

Stribling has impressed during training camp and could have a significant role as a slot receiver following the departure of Jauan Jennings in free agency to the Minnesota Vikings.

— Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 31 July 2026
This is, of course, a significant departure from Tony Blair’s aim of creating a modern workforce that was largely university-educated.

— Roger Trapp, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of departure

Noun

Why leaving room for changes matters Weather, closures and travel delays can rewrite an itinerary overnight.

— Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 3 Aug. 2026
There have been other senior exec exits, with All3 COO Sara Geater and Group Director of Corporate Development Steven Brown leaving.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 21 July 2026

Definition of leaving

Noun

Sunday is expected to be the busiest day at O'Hare Airport, with more than 300,000 passengers arriving or departing.

— Lauren Victory, CBS News, 1 July 2026
While Schmid fills the role of a high-end backup, Florida still needs to acquire a starting-caliber goaltender prior to the start of the season with both Sergei Bobrovsky and Daniil Tarasov departing.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026

Definition of departing

Noun

Opinions on voluntary abdication by reigning monarchs vary amongst the royal families of Europe, but there is precedent in Belgium.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026
Stepping away from that life, even for a relatively small chunk in the grand scheme of things, isn’t an abdication of adulthood, but an investment in a life worth living.

— DJ Didonna, Time, 13 July 2026

Definition of abdication

Noun

Let passengers exit the train before boarding This rule isn’t unique to Japan, but blocking the door or pushing against the exiting crowd is considered extremely impolite.

— Rebecca Ann Hughes, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
According to research firm Kpler, only seven ships on Friday passed through the strait — five entering and two exiting.

— Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 2 June 2026

Definition of exiting

Noun

Deputy Chief Andre Sayles was named interim police chief, the statement about the resignation said.

— Joe Kottke, NBC news, 31 July 2026
The allegations come amid Miller’s reelection bid for what is seen as a safe Republican seat and have led to calls from some Democratic members of Congress for an ethics investigation and resignation.

— Diana Paulsen, ABC News, 31 July 2026

Definition of resignation

Noun

More specifically, nutmeg and cloves add subtle warmth, while black pepper and bay leaves add a sharp and herbaceous undertone.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Aug. 2026
Pests and Disease Aphids and other sap-sucking insects can drain crepe myrtle sap and spread sooty mold, while leaf spot is a fungal issue that can weaken plants, impair blooming, and leave unsightly splotches on plant leaves.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of leave

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.

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“Stepping down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stepping%20down. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of stepping down

noun

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