as in reduced
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 demoted
Kay had to go to Japan to be allowed to do his thing, start and pitch without the threat of being demoted to the minors or released after any bad performance.
—
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026
But Schultz was the fifth starter until his injury, and his replacement, David Sandlin, was demoted to Charlotte after three starts.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
But in February 2025, Rothkopf demoted Bordowitz to director-at-large, a role that ended that June.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026
In Monaco, Hulk finished 10th after the Great Reshuffle due to pit-lane-speeding penalties for other drivers, but was later demoted to 13th after being given a time penalty for causing a collision.
—Jerry Perez, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Paula Conaway alleged she was harassed and ultimately demoted from her position as deputy chief for insisting on accountability for officers under her command.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Ron Burgundy, you’re demoted to weekends!
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Crowley said that she has been demoted several times after she was removed as chief.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Royce Lewis’ production at the plate since being demoted to Triple-A for a reset has drawn all kinds of attention.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 3 June 2026
Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026
But Schultz was the fifth starter until his injury, and his replacement, David Sandlin, was demoted to Charlotte after three starts.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
But in February 2025, Rothkopf demoted Bordowitz to director-at-large, a role that ended that June.
—Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 16 June 2026
In Monaco, Hulk finished 10th after the Great Reshuffle due to pit-lane-speeding penalties for other drivers, but was later demoted to 13th after being given a time penalty for causing a collision.
—Jerry Perez, The Drive, 11 June 2026
Paula Conaway alleged she was harassed and ultimately demoted from her position as deputy chief for insisting on accountability for officers under her command.
—Harrison Mantas, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 June 2026
Ron Burgundy, you’re demoted to weekends!
—Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 10 June 2026
Crowley said that she has been demoted several times after she was removed as chief.
—Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 10 June 2026
Royce Lewis’ production at the plate since being demoted to Triple-A for a reset has drawn all kinds of attention.
—Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demoted
Verb
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In March, Tyler pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal that reduced his first-degree rape charge to a third-degree offense.—
Taijuan Moorman,
USA Today,
17 June 2026
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The only exception came during the COVID years, when the schedule was temporarily reduced.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
Verb
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In a 55-page decision, a superior court judge has dismissed significant portions of a lawsuit filed by the former Chief Human Resources Officer of Boston Water and Sewer, including all claims against the Herald, alleging she was fired as part of a wide-ranging conspiracy.—
Flint McColgan,
Boston Herald,
14 June 2026
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All of which spilled into public view at the City Council meeting, with commissioners claiming that, after numerous meetings, the mayor’s office dismissed their concerns and recommendations for this particular reappointment to the board.—
Denise Crosby,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2026
Verb
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Renard, 57, has been out of management since being sacked by Saudi Arabia in April, bringing his second stint with the national team to an end.—
Sam Joseph,
New York Times,
16 June 2026
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Greek coach Georgios Donis was appointed just two months ago after Saudi Arabia sacked former coach Hervé Renard.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demoted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demoted. Accessed 22 Jun. 2026.
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