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
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
The attack was the biggest since March 2020, when Russia and Turkey agreed to a deal to de-escalate the conflict.
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Maya Gebeily, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
One of the officers involved had specialized training, police said
Phoenix police confirmed that one of the officers on the scene had crisis intervention training, which is designed to help officers slow and de-escalate interactions involving mental or behavioral health crises.
—Miguel Torres, Arizona Republic, 28 Nov. 2024
In conflicts, leaders who listen can de-escalate tension by showing empathy and acknowledging the other person's perspective.
—Edward Deangelis, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Heraclio Mejia, threatened violence against his wife, injured a family member who attempted to de-escalate the situation with a knife, then assaulted a police officer, Joseph said.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate 
Maya Gebeily, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024
One of the officers involved had specialized training, police said
Phoenix police confirmed that one of the officers on the scene had crisis intervention training, which is designed to help officers slow and de-escalate interactions involving mental or behavioral health crises.
—Miguel Torres, Arizona Republic, 28 Nov. 2024
In conflicts, leaders who listen can de-escalate tension by showing empathy and acknowledging the other person's perspective.
—Edward Deangelis, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Heraclio Mejia, threatened violence against his wife, injured a family member who attempted to de-escalate the situation with a knife, then assaulted a police officer, Joseph said.
—Robert Salonga, The Mercury News, 19 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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These tools allow professionals to focus on strategic decision-making, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.Carlos Netto, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
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Addiction Early studies suggest GLP-1 drugs may reduce cravings for alcohol, nicotine and opioids by modulating the brain’s reward pathways.Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025
Verb
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By Friday, winds decrease as chances for a second round of snow increase.Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 8 Jan. 2025
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Depression risk further decreased for every additional 1,000 steps, with the lowest risk at 7,000 to 10,000 daily steps.Sarah Garone, Health, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Austria will likely not face fines in the manner of Hungary, but security cooperation will diminish.Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
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Maryland faltered for the first time, a loss that dims but shouldn’t diminish its impressive start as its ceiling comes clearer into focus.Taylor Lyons, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Though the storm largely subsided by Tuesday morning, another weather system forecast is expected to spread a wintry mess from Texas to the East Coast later this week, which means people likely won't be able to put down the shovels anytime soon.Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
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Seek help from a healthcare provider if your baby exhibits any signs of an allergic reaction that don’t subside on their own with time.Laura Dorwart, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Conversely, getting a good night’s rest often seems to ease anxiety and take the edge off negative memories, studies suggest.Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 23 Dec. 2024
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This weather pattern, driven by atmospheric rivers, has already delivered substantial precipitation this fall and early winter, easing drought conditions and boosting snowpack in the region.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.
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