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
Instead of attempting to de-escalate the public outrage, Iranian authorities responded with unprecedented violence.
—
Hamid Kashani, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Training tells you to de-escalate.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
Step away and de-escalate if possible.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Hamid Kashani, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026
Training tells you to de-escalate.
—Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 30 Jan. 2026
Step away and de-escalate if possible.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 30 Jan. 2026
The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Upon his arrival, Thaksin was sentenced to eight years in prison on earlier corruption convictions, a term swiftly reduced to one year following a royal pardon.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Cutting convoy risk Army planners see cargo drones as a way to reduce dependence on traditional resupply convoys.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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And with Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon—considered the four major hyperscalers—projected to spend an eye-watering $700 billion on AI build-outs in 2026, these prices are unlikely to decrease anytime soon.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
13 Feb. 2026
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Some teachers might use carts for a year or two instead of having their own classroom, but the district’s demographic study shows enrollment will continue to decrease, so that problem will go away.—
Doug Ross,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But some analysts say Iran's unprecedented weakness at home could diminish the flexibility of its country's leadership to make the kinds of compromises necessary for a deal.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
17 Feb. 2026
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The emergence of cable, podcasts and streaming audio and video platforms — none of which are subject to FCC restrictions in terms of content — have greatly diminished traditional broadcast media’s dominance in the marketplace.—
Cerys Davies,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
14 Feb. 2026
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The heaviest fighting has subsided, but the fragile ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.—
Sam Mednick,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Inflation cooled more than expected in January, capping a week of promising economic data, easing pressure on the White House, which has faced political criticism about the economy.—
Andrew Ackerman,
Washington Post,
13 Feb. 2026
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Seasonality also plays a role, as demand typically rises during the holiday baking season and eases in January, according to trade association Eggs Unlimited.—
Mike Winters,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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