as in reduction
the amount by which something is lessened
took a huge step-down in income when she switched from a law career to one in social work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 step-down
So when people are already experiencing this type of knee pain, doing quad-dominant exercises—like a forward lunge, step-down, or squat—can place even more stress on the knee and exacerbate symptoms.
—
Jenny McCoy, Outside, 24 Dec. 2025
Some lenders use a step-down structure, such as 2% in the first year and 1% in the second.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Kerri Wilson is a registered nurse working on a medical cardiology step-down unit at Mission.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
In an update on Monday, the Fort Worth Fire Department said that Halvorson has been moved from the ICU to a step-down room in the burn unit at Parkland.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step-down
Jenny McCoy, Outside, 24 Dec. 2025
Some lenders use a step-down structure, such as 2% in the first year and 1% in the second.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2025
Kerri Wilson is a registered nurse working on a medical cardiology step-down unit at Mission.
—Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
In an update on Monday, the Fort Worth Fire Department said that Halvorson has been moved from the ICU to a step-down room in the burn unit at Parkland.
—Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for step-down
Recent Examples of Synonyms for step-down
Noun
-
Construction will then move to East Belknap Street, starting May 11, through June 5, with the same lane reductions in place.—
Tiffani Jackson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
29 Mar. 2026
-
WaterWorks provides up to $300 annually off total water and sewer bills, a reduction of about 33% for roughly 1,000 customers per year.—
Frederick Melo,
Twin Cities,
29 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Unemployment insurance claims stood at 202,000 in the week ending March 28, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week, according to Labor Department data.—
Rachel Barber,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
-
In addition to the decaying physical structure, Richards highlighted a decrease in correction officer staffing levels such that people inside do not feel safe.—
Steve Zeidman,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Consider a misting device or a drop fountain.—
James Powel,
USA Today,
2 Apr. 2026
-
With a $300 price drop, this is a rare chance to grab a professional-grade, 49-inch curved monitor for a mid-range price.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Estrogen decline is linked to higher total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglycerides.—
Amy Brownstein,
Verywell Health,
1 Apr. 2026
-
Microsoft saw its stock fall 23% over the first quarter, more than the 7% decline of the tech-heavy NASDAQ, marking the worst quarter for its share price since 2008.—
Tom Chivers,
semafor.com,
1 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The rise of Kalshi and Polymarket — major players in the fast-growing world of prediction markets — could put a dent in those revenues, Lang fears.—
Todd Bookman,
NPR,
2 Apr. 2026
-
There was also a large dent on the van's hood.—
Anna Meiler,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-down. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
