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
In the meeting between Araghchi and Hussein, Hussein stressed the importance of returning to diplomatic efforts and de-escalating the situation, as well as ensuring the protection of Iranian civilians, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
—
Nbc News, NBC news, 22 June 2025
The oil market selloff shows that investors believe the conflict will de-escalate after President Donald Trump hit Iran over the weekend, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC in an interview on Monday.
—Spencer Kimball,ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 22 June 2025
Recommended Peace In the line of fire, Arab states urge Trump to de-escalate Israel-Iran war
The prospect of a wider war threatened, too.
—Aamer Madhani, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
Many world leaders called for the US to de-escalate; a few condemned the strikes.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Nbc News, NBC news, 22 June 2025
The oil market selloff shows that investors believe the conflict will de-escalate after President Donald Trump hit Iran over the weekend, Energy Secretary Chris Wright told CNBC in an interview on Monday.
—Spencer Kimball,ruxandra Iordache, CNBC, 22 June 2025
Recommended Peace In the line of fire, Arab states urge Trump to de-escalate Israel-Iran war
The prospect of a wider war threatened, too.
—Aamer Madhani, Christian Science Monitor, 22 June 2025
Many world leaders called for the US to de-escalate; a few condemned the strikes.
—Kim Hjelmgaard, USA Today, 22 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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To reduce background noise when making phone calls or joining in with a video meeting, Headphone (1) has a 4-microphone ENC system that’s backed up by AI.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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Using the current policy baseline, the CBO found that the legislation would reduce the deficit by $508 billion.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
1 July 2025
Verb
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
25 June 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
25 June 2025
Verb
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Flagg won’t be the only rookie cashing in: Every first-round selection in this year’s draft is projected to earn a seven-figure salary, although each slot has a diminishing value.—
Danielle Chemtob,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2025
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And the chaos does gradually diminish, like a pot of stock boiled down to a sauce.—
Tom Gliatto,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Verb
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Once the killing subsided, a desperate search began to find a way to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.—
Oona A. Hathaway,
Foreign Affairs,
24 June 2025
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The program’s vehicles were rentals and will be returned to vendors as the program subsides.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
24 June 2025
Verb
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In recent weeks, Trump has rolled back some of his steepest levies, easing costs imposed upon companies and alleviating concern about a sharp surge of inflation.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
27 June 2025
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Ultimately, mastering this approach not only enhances your sales performance but positions your company among the industry's top-tier, significantly easing future recruitment and fueling sustainable growth.—
Ryan Hohman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.
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