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
The consultants have offered better ways to de-escalate confrontations with residents without resorting to the use of restraints such as the ones used on Moore, Brezee said.
—
Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
Leaders across the globe called on Iran Monday evening to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after the country launched attacks on the United Arab Emirates, putting the ceasefire agreement to its most challenging test yet.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Programs that support global health, food security and disaster relief help to prevent and de-escalate crises while also advancing American interests by strengthening our international alliances.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Meanwhile, a male flight attendant stood nearby trying to de-escalate the situation.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Arkansas Online, 6 May 2026
Leaders across the globe called on Iran Monday evening to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East after the country launched attacks on the United Arab Emirates, putting the ceasefire agreement to its most challenging test yet.
—Christopher Cann, USA Today, 5 May 2026
Programs that support global health, food security and disaster relief help to prevent and de-escalate crises while also advancing American interests by strengthening our international alliances.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026
Meanwhile, a male flight attendant stood nearby trying to de-escalate the situation.
—Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Eco effort The hotel employs single-stream recycling and green housekeeping practices, and also has a green roof ecosystem to reduce the building’s heat load.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
19 May 2026
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New research suggests these medications, best known for managing diabetes and driving weight loss, may also reduce the severity of one of the most common and underdiagnosed sleep disorders in the country.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Or that mining companies, which regularly extract water from lakes, rivers, and other reservoirs to support their operations, have experienced double-digit percent decreases in productivity as a result of depleted water sources in areas prone to drought.—
Mindy Lubber,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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One small study from 2021 in Frontiers in Neurology showed that 30 minutes of blue light exposure helped the left and right sides of the brain communicate better, which decreased negative mood and improved overall cognitive function.—
Petra Guglielmetti,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 May 2026
Verb
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Page cited a combination of federal funding cuts, skyrocketing health care costs, diminishing enrollment and more behind the budget constraints, while local teachers cited local investment issues as well.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
18 May 2026
Verb
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Then the climax subsides for a lovely coda of strings, accompanied by a denouement in which the now casually clad, contemporary-looking singer smashes up her play set in the apartment where she’s presumably been brooding over all this stuff.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
22 May 2026
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Although those symptoms may subside after about a day, officials said severe or fatal liver damage can develop two to four days after eating the mushrooms.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
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Gel foam gently contours the body to help ease aches and pains while the breathable, moisture-wicking cover helps maintain a more stable sleep temperature.—
V BRAND STORIES,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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State senators on Friday also pushed bills that would impose a fee on private equity firms purchasing housing and ease the path for building housing on church properties.—
Olivia Olander,
Chicago Tribune,
22 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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