1
as in reduced
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 decreased
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-escalated
Several police departments in the region responded to help and de-escalated the situation.
—
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
The conflict was de-escalated by a 2019 peace deal between the government and 14 armed groups.
—
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Though surprised, the officer seated at the wheel de-escalated the situation and helped the young man find his family, the father wrote to Movius.
—
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Trump’s tactic risks reopening fraught geopolitical wounds with Beijing, following its bruising trade war with Washington that de-escalated late last year.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Officers de-escalated the scene, and there were no arrests made, police told the outlet.
—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Officers de-escalated the situation and arrested 22-year-old Antonio Mellon.
—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Officers de-escalated the situation and got him safely to the ground, Caylor said.
—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Christa Swanson,
CBS News,
17 May 2026
The conflict was de-escalated by a 2019 peace deal between the government and 14 armed groups.
—
ABC News,
30 Mar. 2026
Though surprised, the officer seated at the wheel de-escalated the situation and helped the young man find his family, the father wrote to Movius.
—
Los Angeles Times,
24 Feb. 2026
Trump’s tactic risks reopening fraught geopolitical wounds with Beijing, following its bruising trade war with Washington that de-escalated late last year.
—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
13 Jan. 2026
Officers de-escalated the scene, and there were no arrests made, police told the outlet.
—
Daniel S. Levine,
PEOPLE,
25 Oct. 2025
Officers de-escalated the situation and arrested 22-year-old Antonio Mellon.
—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
2 Oct. 2025
Officers de-escalated the situation and got him safely to the ground, Caylor said.
—
Jim Woods,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalated
Verb
-
Among them, a large waterfront hotel in the city of Macuto, which has been reduced to rubble.
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That matters because decades of research link heavy social media use to anxiety, lower self-esteem and reduced well-being.
Verb
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In March, a nurse assessed Parias for complaints of increasing pain, and the nurse noted decreased mobility, prompting the nurse to submit a referral for an orthopedic evaluation, as well as additional medications.
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This year, a census report compiled by Nutmeg Consulting found that the homeless sheltered population increased by around 17%, while the number of people living outside decreased by almost 50%.
Verb
-
Shinnecock Hills did its part, even after the strongest wind subsided.
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While the most intense combat has subsided, Israeli forces have continued launching airstrikes and opening fire on Palestinians, leaving more than 1,000 people dead since the ceasefire began in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Verb
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Trump’s critics, especially in Israel, worry that the agreement effectively allows Iran to repair a proxy force diminished by months of Israeli pummeling.
-
Alannah’s presence on Season 8 of Love Island USA was heavily diminished following her first appearance.
Verb
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The most dangerous situation appeared to be on Barrington Avenue, west of East Dundee Village Hall, where a light, a utility pole and part of a parkway tree were felled by strong winds, leaving power lines dangling across the road.
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John Adams famously wrote to his wife, Abigail, that smallpox was killing 10 soldiers for every one felled in battle.
Verb
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The pound eased against major currencies as speculation mounted that Starmer was going to set out a timetable for his departure.
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By then, the peak summer rush has eased, many families have returned home and the islands begin to regain some breathing room.
Cite this Entry
“De-escalated.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalated. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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