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 response, city leaders introduced a downtown safety initiative that includes a youth curfew, increased patrols from Cincinnati Police, and the use of community volunteers and violence interrupters to de-escalate conflicts.
—
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
ChatGPT’s initial replies appeared to encourage his delusions and anger before its safety filters eventually activated and attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging him to seek help.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Step away and de-escalate if possible.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Nolan is clearly not an expert criminal, and Tully’s team would do better to focus on de-escalating the situation.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
ChatGPT’s initial replies appeared to encourage his delusions and anger before its safety filters eventually activated and attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging him to seek help.
—Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2025
Step away and de-escalate if possible.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 17 Oct. 2025
Nolan is clearly not an expert criminal, and Tully’s team would do better to focus on de-escalating the situation.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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October has seen 93 blank sailings, up from 58 in September, according to data from maritime research firm Drewry, with container capacity reduced by roughly 7 percent month over month.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
29 Oct. 2025
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By cutting the cost and complexity of closings, the company hopes to expand access to homeownership, reduce fraud, and help smaller regional title firms compete with national giants.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When nighttime temperatures consistently stay below 70°F in the South, the grass growth rate significantly decreases.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Adopting China’s position in this way would be a blunder, diminishing Taiwan’s resolve to resist Chinese aggression and coercion.—
STEPHEN WERTHEIM,
Foreign Affairs,
28 Oct. 2025
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Social media feeds can lead people toward the dark side with negative content or content that can diminish self-esteem.—
NPR,
NPR,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Dray also highlighted Honeywell’s strong and enduring core businesses, which subsiding headwinds from here should allow the market to focus better on.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
27 Oct. 2025
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As the mid-Missouri heat and humidity finally subside, any outdoor activity—from the perfect wine picnic to a Katy Trail hike—is much more pleasant.—
Erika Ebsworth-Goold,
Travel + Leisure,
25 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The good news is that their fixtures are about to ease, with only Liverpool facing a kinder run over the next 10 matches, according to Opta’s Power Rankings.—
Chris Weatherspoon,
New York Times,
31 Oct. 2025
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Weddings are expensive, after all, and delaying the big honeymoon trip can help ease the blow by spreading out the cost.—
Jim Augerinos,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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