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
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
Nolan is clearly not an expert criminal, and Tully’s team would do better to focus on de-escalating the situation.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
And across the board, officers with stronger EQ are better at building informant networks, de-escalating tense scenes, and sustaining long-term careers without succumbing to burnout.
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 17 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
Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
Nolan is clearly not an expert criminal, and Tully’s team would do better to focus on de-escalating the situation.
—Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025
And across the board, officers with stronger EQ are better at building informant networks, de-escalating tense scenes, and sustaining long-term careers without succumbing to burnout.
—Kevin Kruse, Forbes.com, 17 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
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The plant will focus on advanced packaging, which involves combining multiple memory chips into a single, high-density unit to improve performance and energy efficiency while reducing overall size.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The team achieved a 20 percent reduction in turbine weight per megawatt compared to the industry average, assisting with installation while also reducing costs.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The American Heart Association guidelines recommend abstinence, or at least decreasing alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day for everyone to prevent or treat high blood pressure.—
Angela Ryan Lee,
Verywell Health,
15 Jan. 2026
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The largest share — 59% — goes to the convention center, but for the first 5 1/2 years, homelessness programs will get 41% of the funds before decreasing later on to 31%.—
Lori Weisberg,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But while the statement is getting a lot of attention, the far bigger story in Ottawa is the team’s diminishing playoff odds.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
12 Jan. 2026
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The committee’s Democratic members savaged Rubio for diminishing America’s global role; the meeting grew so rancorous that Senator Jim Risch, a Republican from Idaho who was Rubio’s closest friend in the Senate, had to repeatedly bang his gavel to bring order.—
Dexter Filkins,
New Yorker,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Beyond the curse of high expectations, other headwinds that weighed on Eaton's shares appear to be subsiding, including capacity expansion.—
Morgan Chittum,
CNBC,
31 Dec. 2025
-
Hurricane conditions are occurring within the warning area in Cuba but expected to begin subsiding this afternoon.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Mavis Leno's advanced dementia diagnosis was revealed in 2024, when her husband was granted conservatorship over her estate amid her declining health.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Jan. 2026
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District leaders pointed to declining student achievement, a lack of resources for the school's special education program, and insurmountable financial issues with the school.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Observers expected Powell to follow that tradition, especially after the Fed reappointed the regional presidents, easing fears that Trump would purge them to stack the Federal Open Market Committee with his loyalists.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
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Gusty north winds are expected that day before gradually easing on Thursday.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalating. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
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