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
Officers rushed the process, issued conflicting demands, failed to de-escalate and treated Lewis’ non-threatening movement toward compliance as justification for deadly force — all actions contrary to the reform that was supposed to be underway in the department, the lawsuit alleges.
—
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
Police began trying to de-escalate the situation through negotiation, said Miami Police spokesman Orlando Rodriguez.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
The Western sources said that by the end of March, diplomatic contacts and the threat by Saudi Arabia to retaliate further led to an understanding to de-escalate, Reuters reported.
—Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Seeking federal dollars for pursuit technology The growing implementation of the Grappler comes at a time when funding to find ways to de-escalate chases is under consideration.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 May 2026
Police began trying to de-escalate the situation through negotiation, said Miami Police spokesman Orlando Rodriguez.
—Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
The Western sources said that by the end of March, diplomatic contacts and the threat by Saudi Arabia to retaliate further led to an understanding to de-escalate, Reuters reported.
—Sarah Tamimi, CNN Money, 12 May 2026
Seeking federal dollars for pursuit technology The growing implementation of the Grappler comes at a time when funding to find ways to de-escalate chases is under consideration.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Before long, the living room is reduced to a bare stage, upon which only a couple of pulleys and switches are visible.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 June 2026
-
Each ergonomic Nuage seat fully reclines to improve circulation and reduce back pressure.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
8 June 2026
Verb
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Miami’s decreasing rents fit into a larger trend in South Florida.—
Catherine Odom,
Miami Herald,
29 May 2026
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The most recent Los Angeles County Quality of Life Index survey out of UCLA shows perception of public safety losing ground even as property crime has decreased modestly over the same period.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
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While those shortfalls are diminishing, any sudden expenses, including those caused by factors outside of the city’s control, could quickly add to that burden.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
10 June 2026
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None of that diminishes anything for each of the 1,248 players who will participate.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 June 2026
Verb
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While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the shaky ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.—
Wafaa Shurafa,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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Not only is inflation on the rise again and currently sitting at its highest point in three years, but the hope for interest rate cuts this year has largely subsided.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria — like South Africa — had been easing monetary policy before the conflict broke out, but chose to hold their lending rates steady in recent weeks.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
29 May 2026
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But to ease you in, here is a reminder of some of the Premier League players who could be searching for a move this summer.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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