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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
As Washington and Beijing took steps to de-escalate tensions following Pelosi’s visit, China’s overt support for North Korea began to recede.
—
Shuxian Luo, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2025
Police tried to de-escalate the situation, Fernandez said, but the man ignored officers' orders, prompting them to use less-than-lethal weapons.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
While the department conducted no formal internal review, Hopkins said the KCFD has been working with union leaders to implement strategies and tactics aimed at de-escalating tense situations that could lead to violence, as well as defensive training.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Rangel was trying to de-escalate a fight that was going on between some girls over one of his friends, his girlfriend, Tierra Varela, told the Star-Telegram.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Shuxian Luo, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2025
Police tried to de-escalate the situation, Fernandez said, but the man ignored officers' orders, prompting them to use less-than-lethal weapons.
—Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 19 Aug. 2025
While the department conducted no formal internal review, Hopkins said the KCFD has been working with union leaders to implement strategies and tactics aimed at de-escalating tense situations that could lead to violence, as well as defensive training.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Rangel was trying to de-escalate a fight that was going on between some girls over one of his friends, his girlfriend, Tierra Varela, told the Star-Telegram.
—Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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His team accused Whatley of distorting the facts to cover for his support of federal policies that reduced funding for local police.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
11 Sep. 2025
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Valentino has been streamlining its wholesale channel, reduced by about 20 percent in 2024, a strategy that continued in 2025 and that is expected to impact its year-end performance.—
Luisa Zargani,
Footwear News,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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They’re formulated with hydrating ingredients designed to decrease puffiness and help with dark circles.—
Isabel Garcia,
PEOPLE,
12 Sep. 2025
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Darrow says the orchard’s acreage has decreased by half, mirroring the state’s overall decline since 2000.—
Mark Dent,
HubSpot,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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That transition will bring with it some advantages (the conflict of being a part of the Comcast empire is diminished) but also challenges.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Sep. 2025
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Many observers feel that the family’s power in Thailand is diminished, and its long dominant political machine could finally be out of steam.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The Royals are waiting for his back spasms to subside before getting him back into game action.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
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By 2008, Americans were withdrawing, and combat deaths were subsiding to their lowest level since the start of the occupation.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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This was a week dedicated to the passage of several bills that would ease regulations on prominent appliances.—
Jeremy Lott,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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However, some pressures have eased compared with a year ago.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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