de-escalates

verb

present tense third-person singular of de-escalate
1
as in reduces
to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent first, the mediator tried to de-escalate the tension in the room

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in decreases
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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de-escalates On the other hand, if the conflict with Iran de-escalates and oil prices settle down soon, bond yields could fall. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 You will be surprised by how often the familiarity of the song de-escalates the tension. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 3 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalates
  1. reduces
  2. decreases
  3. diminishes
  4. subsides
  5. declines
Verb
  • This reduces the computing work required to serve identical repository data repeatedly.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
  • The iron in lentils can help maintain healthy energy levels by being a component of hemoglobin in red blood cells, which delivers oxygen throughout the body and reduces fatigue.
    — Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of reduces
Verb
  • Later in the week and into the weekend, the chance of rain decreases with spotty showers possible through Halloween weekend.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Studies have found that having strong muscles significantly decreases the higher risk of disease and early death that’s linked to chronic inflammation.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of decreases
Verb
  • For Republicans, a lot rides on whether Tuesday’s balloting substantially diminishes their ranks.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Splitting such communities into multiple districts diminishes their representation in the democratic process.
    — Dan Lipinski, Baltimore Sun, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of diminishes
Verb
  • Chadchart said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials are working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Ideally, those refugees would remain in human care for years or even decades until the mussel invasion subsides.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of subsides
Verb
  • Still, the ratings declines are a problem for Fox and Fox News, which will need to turn things around at some point.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Rama asks Lakshmana to share the responsibilities of government and accept the position of heir apparent, but Lakshmana declines.
    — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of declines

Browse Nearby Words

de-escalated
de-escalates
de-escalating
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Cite this Entry

“De-escalates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalates. Accessed 4 Nov. 2026.

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