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
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
Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio made calls to both sides in an attempt to de-escalate.
—
Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
And across the board, officers with stronger EQ are better at building informant networks, de-escalating tense scenes, and sustaining long-term careers without succumbing to burnout.
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
In one scene, when the Kid is accused of cheating at poker, Hill holds on Redford’s face in close-up for 60 seconds — an eternity for a Hollywood studio picture, even then — as Newman tries to de-escalate.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Rather than committing to de-escalate tensions, both countries have recently taken fresh jabs in the trade war.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 17 Sep. 2025
And across the board, officers with stronger EQ are better at building informant networks, de-escalating tense scenes, and sustaining long-term careers without succumbing to burnout.
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
In one scene, when the Kid is accused of cheating at poker, Hill holds on Redford’s face in close-up for 60 seconds — an eternity for a Hollywood studio picture, even then — as Newman tries to de-escalate.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2025
Rather than committing to de-escalate tensions, both countries have recently taken fresh jabs in the trade war.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 15 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
-
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.—
Caroline Neal,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.—
Rebecca A. Fannin,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sesame oil is high in antioxidants that may help decrease the risk of cancer and heart disease, along with reducing joint pain related to arthritis.—
Susan Selasky,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Zeldin’s cuts have diminished the EPA’s staffing levels, even before Congress has had a chance to weigh in, affecting the environment, public health and government transparency.—
Chris Sellers,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Though the region’s trade reliance on Washington has rapidly diminished as China has become its biggest market, several nations still rely on the US for a large share of their exports, the loss of which would put millions of livelihoods at risk.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The big number arrives, characters emote, high notes ring and ring and ring again … and the aria subsides unmemorably, without leaving the ozone tang that signals a bolt of musical lightning.—
Justin Davidson,
Vulture,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Herro received platelet-rich plasma and cortisone injections in hopes of avoiding surgery, but the discomfort never subsided and surgery was deemed necessary to avoid more issues down the road.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Organizers said donations will help ease medical and financial burdens for the family during his recovery.—
Natalie Davies,
Freep.com,
3 Oct. 2025
-
Criteria have been eased several times since then as the kingdom increasingly sees the need to court foreign capital.—
Matthew Martin,
semafor.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share