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 company’s said its 2026 financial outlook is based on the assumption that the Middle East conflict will de-escalate.
—
Davis Giangiulio,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
As officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, Wenger came out the residence, pointed, then allegedly threw, what was later determined to be an airsoft pistol at officers, according to Podgorski.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The pope also sent private letters to Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and worked behind the scenes through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Hopefully the situation will de-escalate to the point where negotiations can resume and a final agreement can be reached for the benefit of both countries and the world abroad.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Davis Giangiulio,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
As officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, Wenger came out the residence, pointed, then allegedly threw, what was later determined to be an airsoft pistol at officers, according to Podgorski.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The pope also sent private letters to Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and worked behind the scenes through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Hopefully the situation will de-escalate to the point where negotiations can resume and a final agreement can be reached for the benefit of both countries and the world abroad.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Connecticut’s Climate Progress report, required every three years by the state legislature, shows how Connecticut is continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
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Companies are taking steps to reduce their plastic consumption, according to Melissa Bastos, Cotton Incorporated director of corporate strategy and insights.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The elimination of prop bets would decrease revenue by more than $2 million per year, according to the fiscal note produced by the Legislative Council Staff.—
Noelle Phillips,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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And while low-cost housing has decreased, rents have risen.—
Desiree Mathurin
April 24,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Even the most ambitious stories often felt exhausted by the third installment, with diminishing creative and financial returns.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
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Israel has repeatedly criticized the Lebanese government for not doing enough to diminish Hezbollah’s capabilities.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The still-plentiful coal trains south from Denver will subside as the coal plants at Pueblo, Fountain and other places retire in coming years.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
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And while the conflict in the Middle East temporarily warded off deflation, the gains have since subsided as Chinese industry continues to run below capacity, the chief economist for Asia Pacific at French bank Natixis argued.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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But those efforts might be better spent on easing caregivers’ administrative burdens than replacing their face time with patients.—
Catherine Thorbecke,
Twin Cities,
25 Apr. 2026
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The maneuver is aimed at easing strains on global funding markets, giving breathing room to households and businesses of both participating countries.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
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