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
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
President Trump has hit Europe with several waves of tariffs and is only beginning to make deals to de-escalate the situation.
—
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Two years ago, Mercado was praised by the city’s Civilian Investigative Panel for de-escalating a situation involving her partner, according to story from WTVJ Channel 6.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
This temporary truce, effective from May 14, aims to de-escalate trade tensions and provide a window for further negotiations.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025
In Washington, the White House said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in constant contact with the leaders of both countries and reiterated that President Donald Trump wants to see the conflict de-escalate.
—USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Two years ago, Mercado was praised by the city’s Civilian Investigative Panel for de-escalating a situation involving her partner, according to story from WTVJ Channel 6.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
This temporary truce, effective from May 14, aims to de-escalate trade tensions and provide a window for further negotiations.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025
In Washington, the White House said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in constant contact with the leaders of both countries and reiterated that President Donald Trump wants to see the conflict de-escalate.
—USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.—
Kevin Freking,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
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Nord decreased our upload speeds by 38.37% and our latency by 29.26%.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
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But missing those goals doesn’t diminish the importance of potentially revising the target, for which the Paris Agreement includes a review mechanism, Stokes said.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
Verb
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Luckily, the experience trumped inhaling the intense stench, which eventually subsided.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
16 May 2025
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This new poll, and others, suggest voters' concerns over the economy may be subsiding.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 May 2025
Verb
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Babies love latching onto the soft, squishy silicone, easing the transition from breast- to bottlefeeding, and the anti-colic valve means there will be fewer burps.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
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And deficit hawks may be happy to cut back on green-energy projects and rural-hospital funding pots of money, but that won’t ease the sting of this bill’s overall price tag.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 27 May. 2025.
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