n. 25B6; verb
there are plans to upgrade the rail system : IMPROVE, modernize, update, bring up to date, make better, ameliorate, reform; rehabilitate, recondition, refurbish, renovate; N. Amer. bring up to code.
he was upgraded to a seat in the cabinet : PROMOTE, give promotion to, elevate, move up, raise; archaic prefer.
downgrade, demote.