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 order will set up the Peacebook Working Group, in which 50 peacekeepers between the ages of 16 and 24 will be hired part-time to teach their peers how to resolve conflicts and de-escalate violence.
—
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
When the woman turned toward the house to call police, Seth Tatum walked toward Mitchell, attempting to de-escalate the situation, James Tatum said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
The MPKs have no idea how to de-escalate the situation and fall back on what seems to be their default setting of being disproportionately violent toward unarmed fellow humans.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Adam Harrington, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026
When the woman turned toward the house to call police, Seth Tatum walked toward Mitchell, attempting to de-escalate the situation, James Tatum said.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Apr. 2026
The MPKs have no idea how to de-escalate the situation and fall back on what seems to be their default setting of being disproportionately violent toward unarmed fellow humans.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 24 Apr. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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In 1994, American teenager Michael Fay was caned at a Singaporean prison for vandalism, a day after his sentence was reduced from six lashes to four in response to an appeal by President Bill Clinton.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2026
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In the United States, Cinco de Mayo has—unfairly—been reduced to an excuse to drink tequila and eat guac.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
4 May 2026
Verb
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It also is used off-label for other kinds of ulcers and has several gynecological uses, including to induce contractions, to decrease blood loss after delivery and to treat miscarriages.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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These efforts decreased spread significantly, according to the report.—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Verb
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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 family’s anger has subsided some since the baby’s death, in part because of their trust in God’s plan.—
Duaa Eldeib,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
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In fact, transparency mode eventually turns itself off until the wind subsides.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
Verb
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This new effort will be known as Golden State Start, as California uses its bulk purchasing power to obtain 40 million high-quality diapers in hopes of easing financial strain for families and supporting infant health by helping parents maintain an adequate supply of clean diapers.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
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The game stays mostly cloudy, but mild with temperatures gradually easing into the middle 60s by the late innings.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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