1
as in reduces
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 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
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Recent Examples of de-escalates
If the war de-escalates meaningfully, markets can begin rotating away from pure geopolitical hedges and back toward businesses with durable growth just as Alphabet’s transformation into an AI-first and services platform continues to accelerate.
—
Tony Zhang, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Tony Zhang, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalates
Verb
-
The system enables closed-loop recycling, which extends material life cycles and reduces cotton emissions and pollution.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Footwear News,
14 May 2026
-
Oatmeal's beta-glucan fiber helps curb hunger, supports weight loss, and reduces harmful visceral fat.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT,
Kansas City Star,
19 May 2026
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Davis has either tuned out or somehow remained oblivious to any fan sentiment that diminishes the magnitude of his home run because of what unfolded after it.—
Zack Meisel,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
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If the College Football Playoff expands, the urgency of the regular season diminishes by comparison, and in a sport that had, inarguably, the greatest regular season in sports, that's a huge blow.—
Austin Perry OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
In fact, transparency mode eventually turns itself off until the wind subsides.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
-
To better determine the value of locking in a mortgage rate now – or waiting until this current volatility subsides – borrowers need to start with an understanding of where mortgage rates stand right now, as of May 8, 2026.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
As his mobility declines, he’s been unable to extend plays to attack downfield and has appeared unwilling to take some of the contact necessary to create explosive plays.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
17 May 2026
-
As Simpson declines, the actress appears frail, diminished, stripped of poise and makeup.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
16 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalates. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
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