demote

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Pentagon has since tried in vain to demote his military rank and a grand jury have declined to charge him with seditious conspiracy.

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2026

Kelly filed a lawsuit in January that accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of violating his First Amendment rights by moving to formally censure him and demote him over the video.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

According to Fidell, the secretary of defense has the authority to demote only flag officers—that is, generals and admirals.

From Slate • Jan. 13, 2026

Hegseth issued a letter of censure against the retired Navy veteran and announced the Department of Defense would decide whether to demote Kelly and reduce his pension in the coming weeks.

From Salon • Jan. 12, 2026

I step forward, realizing Director Van Helsing may have done me a favor when he decided to demote me.

From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston