as in to reduce
to bring to a lower grade or rank
the court-martial's decision was to demote the officer responsible for the failed mission
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Recent Examples of demote
This puts Jeff and Gabriel, who is demoted to being a human being by his boss for going against her orders, in a difficult spot.
—
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2025
He ultimately was fired and demoted to lieutenant general upon retirement.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
If one path feels like a slog, give yourself permission to demote it to a side interest.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
While the case garnered global acclaim, Captain Terauchi was demoted to a desk job for ’embarrassing’ the airline, only to be reinstated later.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demote
Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2025
He ultimately was fired and demoted to lieutenant general upon retirement.
—Davis Winkie, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025
If one path feels like a slog, give yourself permission to demote it to a side interest.
—Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 6 Sep. 2025
While the case garnered global acclaim, Captain Terauchi was demoted to a desk job for ’embarrassing’ the airline, only to be reinstated later.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for demote
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demote
Verb
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The researchers believe that the benefit likely comes from aspirin acting in several ways – by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet function and tumor growth.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
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In 2016, court filings indicate Gamez Lira was charged with possession of marijuana but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after the charges were reduced.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This adds to anticipation over whether the judge will decide that the case can proceed in Delaware and if dismissed, will the Macrons appeal or refile elsewhere.—
Brendan Cole,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
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In court filings, Burnell has argued the council lacks the legal basis to sue and asked for the claims to be dismissed.—
Killian Baarlaer,
Louisville Courier Journal,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Demote.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demote. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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