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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

Hinson said the bill’s reductions to Medicaid spending for Iowa will be offset by the Rural Health Transformation Program, which allots $50 billion divided among all 50 states over the next five years.

— Gabrielle M. Etzel, The Washington Examiner, 8 Oct. 2026
Higher borrowing costs will eventually force a reduction in credit and spending, weighing on economic activity and potentially spilling over into equity markets, Dalio said.

— Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

The decreases come as the CTA boosted law enforcement on the system at the federal government’s behest, a move that threatened to withhold funding from the transit agency after last year’s Blue Line attack.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
If the amount of money provided by the state to school districts decreases because some children leave for private school, the legislature can adjust the Blueprint funding formula that ties funding to the number of students who attend a school.

— Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

On Friday, Tesla reported better-than-expected third-quarter vehicle deliveries, lifting the stock almost 5%, but the company still posted a 2% year-over-year drop.

— Lora Kolodny, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
The practical argument for wind-and-rain protection applies equally to spring transitional weather, and the trickle-down to Zara and Uniqlo means the shape will stay in stores well past this fall’s drop cycle.

— Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

Huawei's push into the smartphone market comes as sales in China have slumped this year, with a double-digit decline year-on-year in August and September, according to Counterpoint Research.

— Matthew Tan,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 8 Oct. 2026
The co-CEOs have modeled a cash ramp-up in coming years but meanwhile there’s not a big cushion if churn rises, cable-network declines accelerate, the box office softens again or there’s macroeconomic or geopolitical disruption.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of decline

Noun

During the launch, a chunk of insulating foam broke off of the external tank and hit the bottom of the rocket booster, leaving a huge dent.

— Tariq Malik, Space.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Companies like Flock allow users to conduct searches based on characteristics like vehicle make, model and color, as well as other distinctive vehicle features like dents and stickers.

— Abigail Hall, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026