as in firings
the act or an instance of bringing to a lower grade or rank
anyone who objects will get a demotion
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Recent Examples of demotions
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
Other penalties include fines up to $1000 or demotions.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Some of the agents had been reassigned earlier this year, in what were widely seen as demotions, The Washington Post reported.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
The airline has already announced furloughs and demotions of hundreds of pilots.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
But in late July, the company announced another round of pilot furloughs and demotions — the third since September.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Payne said several other employees were disciplined, including demotions and suspensions, after the May incident.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Aug. 2025
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
Other penalties include fines up to $1000 or demotions.
—Kate Plummer, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025
Some of the agents had been reassigned earlier this year, in what were widely seen as demotions, The Washington Post reported.
—Huo Jingnan, NPR, 27 Sep. 2025
The airline has already announced furloughs and demotions of hundreds of pilots.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Sep. 2025
But in late July, the company announced another round of pilot furloughs and demotions — the third since September.
—Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 Aug. 2025
Payne said several other employees were disciplined, including demotions and suspensions, after the May incident.
—Arkansas Online, 11 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for demotions
Noun
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The distinguished scientists and engineers who made up the National Science Board did not know the firings were coming.—
Caroline Wagner,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2026
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One respected firm publishes a study forecasting mass firings, while another estimates the net effect is minimal.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Town Manager Peter Souza predicted the town council will reduce that tax increase either through spending reductions or use of fund balance or both.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
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Even with service reductions, Vista’s parent, American Healthcare Systems, continues to owe property taxes from 2023 and 2024.—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After two dismissals, 8 residents filed a third lawsuit against VENU in January.—
John Wenzel,
Denver Post,
14 Apr. 2026
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News of the dismissals was first reported by The New York Times.—
Laura Romero,
ABC News,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Demotions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/demotions. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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