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 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 Just beyond its foyer, a step-down living room with a fireplace offers a view of the lake, while a dining room (also with a fireplace) spills out onto a balcony overlooking the water. — Katie Schultz, Architectural Digest, 6 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 See All Example Sentences for step-down

Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down

Noun

In late April, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration banned the use of federal grants for distributing strips to the public and for some other harm reduction practices that have been credited with saving lives.

— Scott Maucione, NPR, 8 Aug. 2026
Gamers lament that this is benefitting the companies while offering nothing to consumers with no price reductions in the cost of games, despite the supply-side savings.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of reduction

Noun

The company said that drastic decrease was the result of pre-acquisition adjustments to the value of intangible assets as well as restructuring costs.

— Laya Neelakandan, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
That follows decreases from mid-year crime data for 2024 and 2023, which saw 1,194 and 1,304 incidents respectively.

— Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of decrease

Noun

The goal is of course, to get more long-term LA Metro riders, but also by reducing cars on the road, traffic flow improves and vehicle emissions drop, said LA Metro.

— Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Nonfarm payrolls unexpectedly declined in July, falling by 23,000 amid a drop of 53,000 government jobs.

— Oliver Renick, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of drop

Noun

This decline could affect the annual value of his next contract.

— Bernie Pleskoff, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026
Overall, patients who took estrogen-only hormone therapy for menopause were less likely to display signs of memory loss or cognitive decline or to be diagnosed with dementia.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of decline

Noun

Will four of those dots always form the corners of a four-sided shape with no dents or crossed sides?

— Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2026
These are the practical finds that earn a permanent spot in your suitcase without putting a dent in your travel budget.

— Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026