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
The regional powers are seeking a way to de-escalate this war, which threatens their own energy security and borders.
—
James Legge, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
For example, after mass protests against federal immigration raids in Minneapolis, many of the biggest corporations operating in the state released an announcement that called on the government to de-escalate to reduce tensions in the area.
—David Cortright, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Even as Trump sought, at least publicly, to de-escalate the war, Israel and Iran weren’t listening.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit alleges that the dispute escalated over a period of time that would have allowed security to reasonably notice the situation and intervene, but the bar failed to de-escalate, separate the people involved in the dispute or remove them from the bar.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
James Legge, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
For example, after mass protests against federal immigration raids in Minneapolis, many of the biggest corporations operating in the state released an announcement that called on the government to de-escalate to reduce tensions in the area.
—David Cortright, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Even as Trump sought, at least publicly, to de-escalate the war, Israel and Iran weren’t listening.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit alleges that the dispute escalated over a period of time that would have allowed security to reasonably notice the situation and intervene, but the bar failed to de-escalate, separate the people involved in the dispute or remove them from the bar.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Protective styles like low buns or braids can also reduce frizz throughout the day.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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In her tenure, Colorado has taken major steps to increase price transparency, reduce hospital and prescription drug costs, and hold the health care industry accountable.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Guests can participate in coral reef restoration, ecological monitoring and other hands-on initiatives that help decrease The Nam Hai’s environmental footprint.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Mar. 2026
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The agency waived age limits for new recruits, relaxed its vetting process, and decreased the training period for incoming officers.—
Oriana van Praag,
New Yorker,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Together, the potential departures of two of Kansas City’s most experienced lawmakers — one on his own terms, one forced — could play a role in shaping the city’s future and diminish its ability to secure local priorities at the federal level.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
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Some of the gags are inspired, some are exasperating, none of them are presented in a way that suggests the filmmakers know the difference, and all of them are shoved down your throat until they’re diminished enough to swallow.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Workers discovered a grave containing human remains beneath tiles after part of the floor of St Peter and Paul Church subsided in February, triggering a race to identify the skeleton through DNA testing.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
26 Mar. 2026
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The Royals are hopeful their April woes will subside.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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With no sign of Tehran easing its blockade of the strait, oil prices were back up and stock values fell.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 Mar. 2026
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That could ease cost pressures for hardware buyers such as server makers, with Evercore ISI pointing to potential upside for companies including Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise if lower memory requirements improve system economics.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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