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 Witnesses said the Knicks guard attempted to act as a peacemaker, putting himself between the clashing parties in an effort to de-escalate the fight. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026 In addition to hiring private security and coordinating with police, organizer Venessa McGhee said regular attendees and vendors frequently step in to de-escalate problems. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 To de-escalate the situation and for officer safety, officers did not proceed with the arrest at the Las Vegas Airport and chose to instead arrest him at his flight the following day departing the Los Angeles International Airport on July 14. — Carly Sauvageau, USA Today, 17 July 2026 Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a news conference Monday that Iran was in touch with mediators, including Oman, Qatar and Pakistan, saying their role was to de-escalate the situation. — Npr Staff, NPR, 14 July 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
  • Studies show that drinking more fluid—preferably water—can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The White Worm, who styled herself as a peacetime consigliere, is reduced to obsolescence by the promise of all-out war.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Some of the commitments of the CROP plan is to decrease communitywide greenhouse gas emissions 30% by 2030, and achieve communitywide net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The Palm Beach County school district, like its Broward and Miami-Dade counterparts, is facing the issue of decreasing enrollment.
    — Abigail Hasebroock, Sun Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • Instead, the fresh requirements appeared to diminish prospects for a quick deal, despite optimism last week an agreement was near.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But they’ve never been litigated — and the developments are already stoking fears of diminishing Fed independence as the central bank weighs whether to raise interest rates at its next meeting.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • That said, living in the South means there’s still a ways to go before the heat subsides, and until then, breathable summer staples will continue to define my outfits.
    — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026
  • While the rain is expected to mostly subside by Saturday, temperatures will hover near the 90s through Sunday and into next week.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of subside
Verb
  • Winds will ease overnight Saturday but increase again to gusts of 15 to 20 mph during the afternoon Sunday.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Relief from the heat looks limited until early next week, when temperatures and humidity may begin to ease.
    — Bill Kelly, CBS News, 7 Aug. 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 11 Aug. 2026.

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