demotion

noun

as in firing
the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank anyone who objects will get a demotion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 demotion This demotion also led to a significant pay cut, according to Conaway’s suit. — Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026 The new competitive model emphasizes promotions and demotions, with a goal of winning over more fans. — Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 24 June 2026 City employees allegedly took demotions or resigned to avoid a toxic work environment. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 16 June 2026 However, this signals a potential demotion of Gregory Soto from the primary save share. — Greg Jewett, New York Times, 2 July 2026 Vitello talked about the importance of Walker’s mentality at the time of his demotion, but Walker said Friday that his mental state was good before being optioned. — Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 12 June 2026 Power numbers are short of expectations for Jakob Marsee (three), rookie Owen Caissie (five) and Agustin Ramirez (just two homers before his demotion to Jacksonville). — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 4 June 2026 The Marlins ultimately decided to move on following a demotion to Triple-A and continued offensive regression that never stabilized. — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 He was originally reassigned from the Sterling Correctional Facility to work in Denver, but successfully challenged that reassignment through the State Personnel Board, which affirmed his demotion but reversed the reassignment. — Shelly Bradbury, Denver Post, 29 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demotion
  1. firing
  2. dismissal
  3. reduction
  4. humiliation
  5. sacking
Noun
  • Nieporte filed a federal lawsuit in May against human resources company ADP Totalsource for its role in his firing, seeking at least $30 million.
    — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026
  • Such blindsiding firings aren't limited to struggling employees; experienced professionals and executives are also abruptly dismissed due to shifting business priorities, restructuring, or leadership changes.
    — Caroline Castrillon, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of firing
Noun
  • The insensitive promotion was swiftly canceled, leading to the CEO's dismissal, a public apology, and mandatory history training for 24,000 employees.
    — Roger Dooley, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • But the European Court of Justice dismissal on Thursday marks the end of that process.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 July 2026
Definition of dismissal
Noun
  • In Cañon City, Colorado, authorities are aiming for a 20% to 30% reduction in water use while asking residents to voluntarily conserve outdoor water consumption.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Voltage reductions were also happening earlier in the day in parts of Staten Island, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Westchester, Con Edison spokesperson Jamie McShane told CNN.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of reduction
Noun
  • Instead, much of the rest of the soccer world will likely feel vindication – and more than a little bit of satisfaction at American humiliation on such a huge stage.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • The iconic bunny costume moment, when Elle is tricked into showing up to a non-costume party wearing a Playboy bunny get-up, was the catalyst for exploring how Elle was able to shake that humiliation off.
    — Scarlett Harris, IndieWire, 6 July 2026
Definition of humiliation
Noun
  • Following a varied but moderately successful club coaching career which involved 16 different appointments, in 2024 he was selected by the EFA to lead the national team following the sacking of Portuguese Rui Vitoria.
    — Simon Hughes, New York Times, 14 June 2026
  • In a dramatic late-night sacking of a network news icon, CBS News has fired veteran 60 Minutes correspondent Scott Pelley.
    — Josef Adalian, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Definition of sacking

Browse Nearby Words

demoting
demotion
demotions
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Cite this Entry

“Demotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demotion. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on demotion

Nglish: Translation of demotion for Spanish Speakers

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