We will ___ the old endpoint and remove it next quarter.
To deprecate an endpoint means to mark it as outdated and discourage its use while keeping it temporarily available. It is the standard versioning collocation: "this method is deprecated; use v2 instead". "Delete" implies immediate removal, while "cancel" and "expire" are not used for API routes. Saying you "deprecate" something communicates a planned, graceful retirement that gives consumers time to migrate before the route disappears.
2 / 5
For this breaking change we should ___ the major version.
To bump a version means to increase the version number, especially the major number under semantic versioning. Engineers say "bump to v3" or "bump the minor version". "Lift", "raise up", and "grow" are not idiomatic here. Knowing "bump a version" lets you discuss release mechanics naturally, and it pairs with major, minor, and patch to describe exactly which segment of the version changes.
3 / 5
Changing this field name would ___ compatibility with v1 clients.
To break compatibility (or "break backward compatibility") means to make a change that stops older clients from working. This is the canonical phrase: "renaming the field breaks compatibility". We also say a breaking change. "Hurt", "crack", and "damage" do not collocate with "compatibility". Using break precisely signals that consumers must update their code before they can keep using the API.
4 / 5
We plan to ___ the legacy API after the migration window closes.
To sunset an API means to retire it permanently at a planned date. It is a polished business-English collocation: "we will sunset v1 on March 1st". "Sundown", "darken", and "shadow" are not used this way. Sunset conveys a deliberate, communicated end-of-life, often paired with a sunset date and a deprecation notice issued beforehand so consumers can prepare.
5 / 5
Before removal, we must help consumers ___ to the new version.
To migrate clients means to move consumers from the old API to the new one. "Migrate" is the dominant verb for moving systems, data, or users between versions: "migrate clients to v2". While "move" and "shift" exist in casual speech, migrate is the professional term and pairs with clients, data, and traffic. It implies a structured, supported transition rather than an abrupt switch.