1
as in reducing
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 decreasing
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-escalating
With the help of AI, those workers can pivot seamlessly into upselling, cross-selling, or de-escalating sensitive situations.
—
Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Steve’s team is constantly de-escalating such conflict.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
These are essential for de-escalating the situation and creating conditions for a political settlement of the crisis.
—Robert Birsel
shane Croucher
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
While the department conducted no formal internal review, Hopkins said the KCFD has been working with union leaders to implement strategies and tactics aimed at de-escalating tense situations that could lead to violence, as well as defensive training.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Gary Drenik, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
Steve’s team is constantly de-escalating such conflict.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
These are essential for de-escalating the situation and creating conditions for a political settlement of the crisis.
—Robert Birsel
shane Croucher
john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025
While the department conducted no formal internal review, Hopkins said the KCFD has been working with union leaders to implement strategies and tactics aimed at de-escalating tense situations that could lead to violence, as well as defensive training.
—Mike Hendricks, Kansas City Star, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalating
Verb
-
The French prime minister was widely expected to lose the motion after failing to win support from political rivals on both the right and left for 2026 budget plans aimed at reducing the country's yawning budget deficit.—
Ganesh Rao,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
9 Sep. 2025
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At Tufts University, scientists have developed a new drug that aims to boost weight loss while also reducing the nausea, muscle loss and weight regain associated with popular GLP-1 medications.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Coaxing summer-flowering annuals to flower in fall is hit and miss as nutrient availability is dwindling and hours of daylight are decreasing.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
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The central bank is expected to start decreasing rates at its meeting next week after being on pause since December.—
Michelle Fox,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The difference is the wisdom to recognize that giving away public-trust land and diminishing our quality of life forsakes the permanent greater good for the temporary benefit of a few developers and residents.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
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In an era of diminishing trust in government institutions and the media, conspiracy theories about high-profile crimes can get significant traction in the absence of a conclusive motive.—
Ernesto Londoño,
Twin Cities,
1 Sep. 2025
Verb
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By 2008, Americans were withdrawing, and combat deaths were subsiding to their lowest level since the start of the occupation.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
2 Sep. 2025
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The totals included two new records, coinciding with a subsiding Middle Tennessee heat wave.—
Andy Humbles,
The Tennessean,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The negativity around Wilson wasn’t only about his declining physical skills.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Still, there is some evidence click-throughs per search are declining.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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European markets have surged due to easing monetary policy from the European Central Bank, creating a favorable environment for equities across the continent.—
Robert Daugherty,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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That package includes dozens of proposals to slash housing regulations, including tying some federal dollars to the progress of local governments in easing building restrictions and spurring new home construction.—
Ethan Varian,
Mercury News,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalating. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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