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de-escalate

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt How to pronounce de-escalate (audio)
Definition of de-escalatenext
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

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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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de-escalate Officers gave verbal commands to de-escalate the situation, according to the police account. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2026 The preliminary hearing in the SEC’s lawsuit against LSU was postponed Wednesday afternoon, amid signs that the two sides were de-escalating their fight over the eligibility of two players who signed NFL contracts. — Seth Emerson, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026 While critical of Schaaf, O'Brien praised the efforts of other Waterloo officers who interacted with Boggess, in particular two who attempted to de-escalate the encounter before the shooting. — William Morris, Des Moines Register, 9 Sep. 2026 Pesta called the shooting tragic and shared how officers are trained to de-escalate before coming to this outcome. — Briauna Brown, CBS News, 7 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
  1. reduce
  2. decrease
  3. diminish
  4. subside
  5. ease
Verb
  • Between announcements, conversations, engine noise, and everything else happening around you, reducing these additional sounds can make a long travel day much more comfortable.
    — Julie Rousseau, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2026
  • In fact, a 2025 study found that 28 percent of people with telogen effluvium had reduced ferritin levels, while no one in the control group had a deficiency.
    — Lindsey Bever, Washington Post, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The Nebraska researchers also found that hafnia becomes more stable as its thickness decreases.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Rooms Since its 2023 renovation, the hotel’s capacity decreased from 104 rooms to just 80, made up of 44 rooms and 36 suites, all of which have gained a generous amount of space.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • Yes, that’s twice as many treatment options as the previous Series 2 mask—which means this pick is clinically proven to diminish the appearance of crepiness by stimulating collagen and elastin, as well as pigmentation concerns.
    — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Likewise, the failure to hire an effective leader for the Blockchain Association has diminished the industry’s influence in the Capitol.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Chadchart said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials are working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Moreover, DataTrek expects some of the pressure around data center development to subside.
    — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of subside
Verb
  • The strikes marked a sharp escalation in fighting between the two South Asian countries and risked further complicating international efforts to ease tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
    — MUNIR AHMED, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • However, a sustained decline in oil could help ease some of the pressure on inflation and rates.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of ease

Browse Nearby Words

deerskins
de-escalate
de-escalated
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Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 30 Sep. 2026.

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