1
as in to reduce
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent
first, the mediator tried to de-escalate the tension in the room
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
the fighting de-escalated as the peace talks progressed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
Leaders across the globe called on Iran Monday evening to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after the country launched attacks on the United Arab Emirates, putting the ceasefire agreement to its most challenging test yet.
—
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Programs that support global health, food security and disaster relief help to prevent and de-escalate crises while also advancing American interests by strengthening our international alliances.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Meanwhile, a male flight attendant stood nearby trying to de-escalate the situation.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Use-of-force incidents escalate instead of de-escalate.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Programs that support global health, food security and disaster relief help to prevent and de-escalate crises while also advancing American interests by strengthening our international alliances.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Meanwhile, a male flight attendant stood nearby trying to de-escalate the situation.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Use-of-force incidents escalate instead of de-escalate.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Earlier that year, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a sweeping climate change bill with an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 45% by 2030, 70% by 2040, and to achieve economy-wide net-zero levels by 2050.—
Krisztian Elcsics,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
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Likewise, in building communities, there must be a priority on preserving green spaces, creating walkable neighborhoods to reduce traffic and car emissions, intentionally designating areas for wildlife habitats, and prioritizing quality of life through parks, trails, and conservation areas.—
Sammy Duda,
The Orlando Sentinel,
12 May 2026
Verb
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For example, Social Security retirement benefits could decrease and pensions could stay the same.—
Kate Dore, CFP®, EA,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
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As more time passes from the peak of the solar cycle, auroral activity will decrease.—
Antonio Pequeño IV,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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Successive presidential administrations have done little to diminish alcohol’s harms.—
Lev Facher,
STAT,
12 May 2026
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That evolution doesn’t diminish the importance of our core business.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
12 May 2026
Verb
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Although fighting largely subsided weeks ago, the Strait of Hormuz, remains blocked.—
Diaa Hadid,
NPR,
16 May 2026
-
That skepticism never fully subsided.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
15 May 2026
Verb
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These included shelf registration, relaxed international capital controls, eased restrictions on bank deposits, the rise of index and money market funds, lax oversight of corporate mergers and takeovers, and the creation of banking free-trade zones.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
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The best thing policymakers can do is advance regulation that eases the burden of starting a new business.—
Rachyl Jones,
semafor.com,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 18 May. 2026.
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