1
as in reducing
to bring to a lower grade or rank
increased automation resulted in many jobs in the factory being downgraded
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in lowering
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
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 downgrading
For someone in a situation like Brad's, downgrading an expensive credit card has advantages over closing it.
—
Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Less than two years after one of its alums became an international star at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Quinnipiac is downgrading its women’s rugby program.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026
The moved followed Netflix downgrading the couple’s rich overall deal to a first-look deal in August 2025 after the company had produced the documentary Harry & Meghan and unscripted series Polo and With Love, Meghan.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 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
Then there’s Maiquetía carrying a Category 2 in air safety standards, a result of the FAA downgrading it in 2019.
—Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Fitch Ratings has given Chicago a BBB+ overall, while downgrading sales tax securitization from AAA to AA+.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Nakai, too, squandered roughly six points for downgrading a planned triple lutz-triple toe loop combination.
—Bora Erden, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The United States Department of State updated its travel advisory for the country of Pakistan this week, warning of potential crime there but also downgrading its warning for the border area between Pakistan and India.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 11 May 2026
Less than two years after one of its alums became an international star at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Quinnipiac is downgrading its women’s rugby program.
—Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 14 Apr. 2026
The moved followed Netflix downgrading the couple’s rich overall deal to a first-look deal in August 2025 after the company had produced the documentary Harry & Meghan and unscripted series Polo and With Love, Meghan.
—Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 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
Then there’s Maiquetía carrying a Category 2 in air safety standards, a result of the FAA downgrading it in 2019.
—Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Fitch Ratings has given Chicago a BBB+ overall, while downgrading sales tax securitization from AAA to AA+.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Feb. 2026
Nakai, too, squandered roughly six points for downgrading a planned triple lutz-triple toe loop combination.
—Bora Erden, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2026
The United States Department of State updated its travel advisory for the country of Pakistan this week, warning of potential crime there but also downgrading its warning for the border area between Pakistan and India.
—Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 29 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for downgrading
Verb
-
Eco effort The Pig group’s 25-mile menu keeps suppliers local, reducing food miles and packaging in the process.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 May 2026
-
Its document generation tools guide founders through complex legal processes step by step, reducing errors and ensuring completeness.—
AllBusiness,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Even one drink of alcohol damages the immune system, lowering its ability to battle invaders within 20 minutes of consumption.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
-
In the climate arena, nature-aware policy means lowering emissions by all means possible, including industrial decarbonization, and protecting ecosystems such as forests, mangroves, and kelp beds that absorb carbon in large quantities.—
John Reid,
The Atlantic,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
City Manager Maraskeshia Smith has proposed cuts that include laying off or demoting 37 employees, cutting violence prevention grants and shortening neighborhood pool hours.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
7 May 2026
-
As far as Williams, the Mets aren’t considering demoting him.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Downgrading.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/downgrading. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
