1
as in deterioration
a change to a lower state or level
a singing career on the downgrade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in downhill
a downward slope
the gentle downgrade of the parking area is designed for drainage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to demote
to bring to a lower grade or rank
increased automation resulted in many jobs in the factory being downgraded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to reduce
to diminish the price or value of
the company's filing for Chapter 11 downgraded the stock to the point where it was selling for pennies a share
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of downgrade
Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Swapping Duran and Paraedes is a downgrade, not to mention Duran has an extra year of control.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Last August, the Sussexes signed a new pact with Netflix, downgrading their exclusive agreement to a first-look deal (sources say this is common, and happens with other talent deals including the Obamas’).
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downgrade
Noun
This is a downgrade for the beloved trackpad, but an understandable place to cut costs on the Neo.
—Matthew Buzzi, PC Magazine, 5 Mar. 2026
Swapping Duran and Paraedes is a downgrade, not to mention Duran has an extra year of control.
—Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Adebayo was listed as questionable for the contest on Monday before being downgraded to doubtful on Tuesday morning and then being ruled out just a few hours before tipoff on Tuesday night.
—Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Mar. 2026
Last August, the Sussexes signed a new pact with Netflix, downgrading their exclusive agreement to a first-look deal (sources say this is common, and happens with other talent deals including the Obamas’).
—Matt Donnelly, Variety, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for downgrade
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downgrade
Noun
-
All the hallmarks of an economic collapse are there, including the gradual shutdown and deterioration of public services, shortages of basic goods, and major rises in the cost of living.—
Brady Knox,
The Washington Examiner,
14 Mar. 2026
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Beyond next week’s meeting, policymakers will need to be cognizant of balancing new inflation risks from the war in Iran with any signs of deterioration in the labor market.—
Bloomberg News,
Boston Herald,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Houston freshman Kingston Flemings is a downhill guard with great playmaking ability.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2026
-
Trotter is a downhill, heavy-handed tone-setter with real pedigree.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Just beware of adding something really wacky—like raisins—or you’ll be put on potluck probation and demoted to plate-and-napkin duty.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
14 Mar. 2026
-
They were last demoted to England’s second tier in 1977 and have only spent one season outside the top division since 1950.—
Joe Prince-Wright,
NBC news,
13 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In the kitchen, ingredients are sourced locally to reduce carbon footprint and maintain freshness.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 Mar. 2026
-
To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
17 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Over time, circulating levels of both can drift downward, which is what the research found.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
19 Mar. 2026
-
Gallup research shows trust has been trending downward since the 1970s.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
19 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
That makes the decline in checks alarming.—
Tony Plohetski,
Austin American Statesman,
19 Mar. 2026
-
The decline was driven by weaker profitability across several core businesses, particularly product transport and containerships, where profits fell sharply amid softer freight rates and rising vessel supply.—
Lee Ying Shan,
CNBC,
18 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the current environment, gold ETFs can be particularly useful for investors who want to take advantage of the recent price dip but aren't ready to commit to physical ownership.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
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Lamborghini also saw a dip in operating income as a result of negative exchange rates and the decision to pivot away from a fully electric Lanzador in favor of a plug-in hybrid model instead, Winkelmann said.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Adverb
-
Those who itemize their taxes and fall within the highest tax bracket will now be limited to claiming total deductions of 35% of their income, down from 37% previously.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
18 Mar. 2026
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In this case, your friend is actually 40% down, so go ahead and keep that Korean sheet mask on your face a while longer.—
Ellen Harrold,
New Yorker,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downgrade.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downgrade. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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