as in firings
the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank
anyone who objects will get a demotion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 demotions
Rehabilitation assignments, promotions and demotions often become part of the development process, particularly for pitchers returning from major surgeries.
—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
29 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
The cautionary tales are bottomless, from Reading and Blackburn Rovers’ respective demotions in England two seasons ago to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and ASJ Soyaux in France, who this year were forced to collapse due to structural vulnerabilities.
—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Word of the demotions came early in the spring semester, but the cuts take effect on July 1.
—
Katie Servas,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
But the plaintiffs’ concerns were ignored and, in 2019, the department retaliated by starting Internal Affairs investigations and imposing a series of negative work actions against the officers, including demotions, removals from specialized assignments and involuntary transfers, suit stated.
—
City News Service,
Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
In Newark, 49 sergeants and 23 lieutenants who manage and supervise departments could face demotions if the results of their 2019 civil service exams are thrown out, according to the president of the city's Superior Officers' Association.
—
Christine Sloan,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
An attorney for two other administrators who sued over their demotions said Monday that their lawsuit is still pending.
—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Dec. 2025
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
29 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
The cautionary tales are bottomless, from Reading and Blackburn Rovers’ respective demotions in England two seasons ago to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and ASJ Soyaux in France, who this year were forced to collapse due to structural vulnerabilities.
—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
Word of the demotions came early in the spring semester, but the cuts take effect on July 1.
—
Katie Servas,
Hartford Courant,
14 May 2026
But the plaintiffs’ concerns were ignored and, in 2019, the department retaliated by starting Internal Affairs investigations and imposing a series of negative work actions against the officers, including demotions, removals from specialized assignments and involuntary transfers, suit stated.
—
City News Service,
Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
In Newark, 49 sergeants and 23 lieutenants who manage and supervise departments could face demotions if the results of their 2019 civil service exams are thrown out, according to the president of the city's Superior Officers' Association.
—
Christine Sloan,
CBS News,
10 Dec. 2025
An attorney for two other administrators who sued over their demotions said Monday that their lawsuit is still pending.
—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demotions
Noun
-
Francisco Lindor had been through managerial firings before with the New York Mets.
-
What is particularly concerning about these firings is the effect the dismissals will have on the officer ranks.
Noun
-
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.
-
On the other hand, massive reductions in the number of incoming immigrants do not increase such jobs.
Noun
-
That led to a number of dismissals, including coach Massimiliano Allegri.
-
What is particularly concerning about these firings is the effect the dismissals will have on the officer ranks.
Cite this Entry
“Demotions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demotions. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
