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
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
Nothing about the daily judgment educators use to steady an overwhelmed child, adapt a lesson, stoke critical thinking, de-escalate a conflict or help a student who comes to school hungry.
—Randi Weingarten, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The consultants have offered better ways to de-escalate confrontations with residents without resorting to the use of restraints such as the ones used on Moore, Brezee said.
—Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
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
Nothing about the daily judgment educators use to steady an overwhelmed child, adapt a lesson, stoke critical thinking, de-escalate a conflict or help a student who comes to school hungry.
—Randi Weingarten, Fortune, 6 May 2026
The consultants have offered better ways to de-escalate confrontations with residents without resorting to the use of restraints such as the ones used on Moore, Brezee said.
—Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Spirulina helps eliminate heavy metal build-up in the body, for instance; ginger and cumin reduce bloating; lecithin and gingko can improve memory.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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Statistically, the drug reduced the risk of death by 60% compared with chemotherapy.—
Ed Silverman,
STAT,
1 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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According to the alliance, the theme emphasizes the LGBTQ+ community's place in American society, calls for resistance against efforts to diminish their rights and visibility and encourages people to live openly, proudly and without apology.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
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Confidence Doesn’t Require an Apology Corporate culture often reinforces self-diminishing behavior.—
Kelly Ehlers,
Rolling Stone,
2 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 7 Jun. 2026.
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