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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
There were 39 times when deholstering a stun gun was able to de-escalate a situation without the device’s deployment.
—
Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
At the same time, researchers are studying ways to de-escalate treatment for older women with early-stage cancers, aiming to deliver effective care with fewer long-term side effects.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2025
In response, city leaders introduced a downtown safety initiative that includes a youth curfew, increased patrols from Cincinnati Police, and the use of community volunteers and violence interrupters to de-escalate conflicts.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
ChatGPT’s initial replies appeared to encourage his delusions and anger before its safety filters eventually activated and attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging him to seek help.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 22 Oct. 2025
At the same time, researchers are studying ways to de-escalate treatment for older women with early-stage cancers, aiming to deliver effective care with fewer long-term side effects.
—Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 21 Oct. 2025
In response, city leaders introduced a downtown safety initiative that includes a youth curfew, increased patrols from Cincinnati Police, and the use of community volunteers and violence interrupters to de-escalate conflicts.
—Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
ChatGPT’s initial replies appeared to encourage his delusions and anger before its safety filters eventually activated and attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging him to seek help.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Tax rises would likely act as another damper on inflation by reducing consumer demand.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
6 Nov. 2025
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Researchers also stressed that the synergistic effect of K+ and C3N4 co-intercalation lowers the energy barrier, reduces the electrostatic interaction, and enhances the kinetics and structural stability.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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This can reduce dependence on critical raw materials, lower costs, decrease carbon emissions, and ultimately make sustainable technologies more reliable and accessible in everyday life, as per the release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Nov. 2025
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The trend, Morales said, should come as a giant, blinking warning sign for Republicans, who ran in 2024 on promises to decrease inflation and improve the cost of living for everyday Americans.—
Karissa Waddick,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In the end, the power of the Cheney name was greatly diminished in GOP politics.—
Don Gonyea,
NPR,
4 Nov. 2025
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The business community is bracing to wake up Wednesday reminded of their diminishing power in their own backyard.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Floods in Cebu City had subsided late on Tuesday but power was still out in many places and telecommunications services were intermittent, a Reuters journalist in Cebu said.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
4 Nov. 2025
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But the tech wave has since subsided.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Ending the government shutdown would ease the situation for controllers, but the FAA said the flight cuts will remain in place until their safety data improves.—
JOSH FUNK,
Arkansas Online,
8 Nov. 2025
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This spray aims to prevent breakage and ease tension during the braid takedown process by adding softness so hair can easily slide through knots and detangle much faster.—
Caché McClay,
USA Today,
7 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 11 Nov. 2025.
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