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
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-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 confirmation came just two days before the Fed is expected to vote on reducing its key interest rate.—
Adeola Adeosun
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Every action counts, whether reducing HFCs, investing in sustainable cooling, or holding governments accountable for climate commitments.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
However, diminishing perceptions that a college education is very important have occurred relatively equally among both Republicans and Democrats, suggesting that other factors must also be at play.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
-
The threat for heavy rain in South Florida is diminishing, however typical scattered thunderstorms with locally heavy downpours are still possible in the area through the weekend.—
Kyle Reiman,
ABC News,
13 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
The totals included two new records, coinciding with a subsiding Middle Tennessee heat wave.—
Andy Humbles,
The Tennessean,
30 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The negativity around Wilson wasn’t only about his declining physical skills.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Still, there is some evidence click-throughs per search are declining.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Economists like Deutsche Bank’s Jim Reid and UBS’s Paul Donovan cautioned that while headline data supports easing, the details reveal more mixed pressures that Powell will need to weigh.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
-
But when approached strategically, building muscle strength can be one of the most effective tools for easing discomfort and improving everyday function.—
Dana Santas,
CNN Money,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalating. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share