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
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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
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On Friday, swaps markets reflected around a 40% chance of a reduction by then, rising from about 20% after the Justice Department dropped its investigation into the Fed.—
Michael MacKenzie,
Bloomberg,
26 Apr. 2026
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the budget proposal on Capitol Hill last week, telling senators that the visitor experience to parks can be improved even while spending and staff reductions are made.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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According to Gary’s 2025 Public Safety Report, the city’s homicide rate is its lowest since 1970, and fatal shootings decreased from 133 incidents in 2024 to 101 in 2025, which is a 24% decrease.—
Maya Wilkins,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
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The decrease in students also means a decrease in state funding for next school year.—
Rebecca Noel,
Charlotte Observer,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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After a tough 2025 that saw revenue drop and its Woodspin joint venture with Suzano fall apart, the Finnish fiber maker has spent the past year regrouping.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
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With Leeds not playing in the league last weekend, and three of the other at-risk teams winning, Opta’s supercomputer has stayed strong on the current projections for those who are most likely to face the drop.—
Mark Carey,
New York Times,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The in-flight tests yielded a substantial decline in soot and ice with 100 percent SAF.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
29 Apr. 2026
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Correction-level declines occurred in 71% of those years, versus only 44% in other years.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The new, better-for-you snacks won’t make much of a dent in the offerings at a typical rural grocery store or gas station, Klatt said.—
Sarah Todd,
STAT,
22 Apr. 2026
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Check your propane level and inspect the tank for any visible dents or damage if using a gas grill.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Step-down.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/step-down. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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