de-escalate

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt How to pronounce de-escalate (audio)
Definition of de-escalatenext
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de-escalate Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and officers may soon be equipped with gloves that deliver electrical shocks, which the manufacturer says are intended to de-escalate encounters with individuals. — Julianna Bragg, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 The mayor said despite multiple attempts to de-escalate, law enforcement was called in due to safety concerns, leading to arrests. — Tesfaye Negussie, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026 Prices fell more than 5% for the week after selling off Monday on hopes the conflict in the Middle East would de-escalate. — Azhar Sukri,terri Cullen, CNBC, 1 Aug. 2026 In addition to hiring private security and coordinating with police, organizer Venessa McGhee said regular attendees and vendors frequently step in to de-escalate problems. — Ryan MacAsero, Mercury News, 19 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
  1. reduce
  2. decrease
  3. diminish
  4. subside
  5. ease
Verb
  • The South in particular faces higher rates of obesity and other health challenges that have further reduced the pool of eligible recruits and contributed to higher injury rates during basic training, according to service data.
    — Steven Beynon, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • The historic supply shock has also been softened by other factors, including alternative export routes out of the Gulf, China reducing its oil imports, the United States increasing production and drawdowns from global oil stockpiles.
    — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • As would be expected, oil demand was forced to decrease, to match available supply.
    — Jason Bordoff, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Only 15% believed the statements would decrease the patients’ likelihood of seeking treatment—even though that's what tended to happen in the researchers' simulations.
    — Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • Instead, the fresh requirements appeared to diminish prospects for a quick deal, despite optimism last week an agreement was near.
    — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • But they’ve never been litigated — and the developments are already stoking fears of diminishing Fed independence as the central bank weighs whether to raise interest rates at its next meeting.
    — Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • That said, living in the South means there’s still a ways to go before the heat subsides, and until then, breathable summer staples will continue to define my outfits.
    — Kate Boswell, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2026
  • While the rain is expected to mostly subside by Saturday, temperatures will hover near the 90s through Sunday and into next week.
    — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of subside
Verb
  • The deployment of more than 1,500 soldiers to protect Michoacán’s avocado-growing region and recent arrests of people allegedly involved in extortion have eased concerns, but only partially.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026
  • The bad blood between West Ham and Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano saga has eased over the years, but the rivalry will reconvene in Yorkshire on December 4.
    — Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of ease

Browse Nearby Words

deerskins
de-escalate
de-escalated
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Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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