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
Several people were hit with the spray including Kim, who was seen trying to de-escalate the situation.
—
Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 27 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 27 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
-
The coronavirus vaccine reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events linked to covid-19 — strokes, heart attacks, and hospitalization from heart disease — by about 40 percent, according to a new study.—
Daniel Wu,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
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Fox would take on $8 million in debt to pay for the Roku acquisition, and the companies expect to reduce combined expenses by $400 million.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
15 June 2026
Verb
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This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
CA Weather Bot,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2026
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Yet burnout is associated with emotional exhaustion, cynicism, reduced motivation, sleep problems, and decreased enjoyment of previously pleasurable activities.—
Maia Niguel Hoskin,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2026
Verb
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When plants are set too close together, air circulation is diminished, which encourages a more humid plant canopy that favors disease.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
16 June 2026
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When family dinners are interrupted by smartphone dings or kids glued to their tablets, Sada Garibay and other experts noted, some of the benefits of the family dinner can be diminished.—
Elise Haulund,
CNN Money,
16 June 2026
Verb
-
Lugo now has time to let his symptoms subside.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
13 June 2026
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Yet while the pace of inflation subsided, bringing Social Security cost-of-living adjustments down in subsequent years, consumer prices have mostly stayed higher.—
Lorie Konish,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Specialized unit built for tight spaces As summer temperatures rise and futbol fever spreads, the department's new bike EMS team is positioned to ease concerns during emergencies.—
Bo Evans,
CBS News,
19 June 2026
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Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters Early signs that the Strait of Hormuz is reopening have eased the most acute threat to global energy supplies, but economic damages from the nearly four months of war will take months to unwind, analysts warned.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
19 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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