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
Bouchard credits the drones for de-escalating the situation.
—
Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Takaichi said the two leaders agreed on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict and to secure the safety of the vital waterway and the stable supply of goods.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
But if the conflict shows no sign of de-escalating before that point, giving security and confidence to F1 and the FIA that the events could go ahead without any risks, then the only course of action would be to cancel both races.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
That’s because Putin is focused on Ukraine, and Norway is skilled in de-escalating tense standoffs.
—Tom Yulsman, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Lyons credited Homan with de-escalating the situation.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Loon said de-escalating tensions is in the best interest of Minnesota’s business community.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026
Under intense military pressure, the STC’s leadership agreed to hold talks in Riyadh aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Heath Kalb, CBS News, 9 May 2026
Takaichi said the two leaders agreed on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict and to secure the safety of the vital waterway and the stable supply of goods.
—ABC News, 1 Apr. 2026
But if the conflict shows no sign of de-escalating before that point, giving security and confidence to F1 and the FIA that the events could go ahead without any risks, then the only course of action would be to cancel both races.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
That’s because Putin is focused on Ukraine, and Norway is skilled in de-escalating tense standoffs.
—Tom Yulsman, Time, 23 Feb. 2026
Lyons credited Homan with de-escalating the situation.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down.
—Taylor Seely, AZCentral.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Loon said de-escalating tensions is in the best interest of Minnesota’s business community.
—Zac Anderson, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026
Under intense military pressure, the STC’s leadership agreed to hold talks in Riyadh aimed at de-escalating the conflict.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalating
Verb
-
Unfortunately, facilities at public parks and libraries close at nightfall, greatly reducing the number of bathrooms available.—
Michael Perkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
In the surgical procedure, a v-shape of the lower lid is removed thereby shortening the area and reducing the defect.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
Verb
-
As chairman, Cassidy has had several clashes with the White House over confirmations, including for Kennedy due to his support for decreasing the number of vaccines children receive.—
Gabrielle M. Etzel,
The Washington Examiner,
13 May 2026
-
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced an overall 4% decrease, and unsheltered homelessness decreasing by 22% since the 2024 count.—
Robin Epley,
Sacbee.com,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
The Wolves have not solved Wembanyama, who is significantly diminishing their inside presence.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
-
Some are seeking better time slots paired with digital extensions that can net them bigger contracts from TV networks desperate to break free from diminishing pay TV revenue.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
6 May 2026
Verb
-
Breezy winds return on Tuesday after subsiding somewhat on Monday.—
Rachael Jay,
CBS News,
2 May 2026
-
But there were no signs that the conflict was subsiding.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Black Bear officials cited the program's declining participation rates and finances as the reason.—
Kenny Jacoby,
USA Today,
14 May 2026
-
Sadly, bat populations are declining rapidly in North America.—
The Conversation,
Fortune,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
Rulings against the map could revert Kansas City’s congressional district back to the boundaries lawmakers approved in 2022, easing a path for Cleaver to win a 12th term in Congress.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
-
This new effort will be known as Golden State Start, as California uses its bulk purchasing power to obtain 40 million high-quality diapers in hopes of easing financial strain for families and supporting infant health by helping parents maintain an adequate supply of clean diapers.—
Noe Padilla,
USA Today,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalating. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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