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
-
Congress should invest in technology, innovation and infrastructure that reduces wildfire risk, protects water supply and develops cleaner energy that works for California families.—
Lucas Robinson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
Also, reusing local rubble reduces the carbon emissions from transporting heavy sand and gravel across long distances.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 May 2026
-
As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
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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
-
Art thrives on openness, and any narrowing of that space diminishes it.—
News Desk,
Artforum,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
In fact, transparency mode eventually turns itself off until the wind subsides.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
8 May 2026
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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
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When a security system declines a valid purchase, the customer often abandons the cart and moves to a competitor.—
Ethan Stone,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
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Distribution revenue was $858 million as vs $870 million on net subscriber declines.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
11 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalates. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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