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
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 sweeps, in addition to crowd-management responsibilities, are typically dealt with by local police, who often have more experience and training in de-escalating large demonstrations and tamping down civil unrest.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 28 Jan. 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
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 sweeps, in addition to crowd-management responsibilities, are typically dealt with by local police, who often have more experience and training in de-escalating large demonstrations and tamping down civil unrest.
—Anna Schecter, CBS News, 28 Jan. 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
-
The station initially bridged the sudden budget gap last year by reaching out to donors directly and reducing costs to bring down overhead.—
Savannah Sicurella,
AJC.com,
11 Apr. 2026
-
The ship suffered substantial damage, and the Reagan administration retaliated by damaging or sinking three Iranian warships and three oil platforms, drastically reducing Tehran’s ability to engage in the gulf.—
Dalia Abdelwahab,
CNN Money,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There are three Elvi (Tyler Hanes, Colton Sims and Charles Adler Bischoff at the Marriott, in decreasing order of age).—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Despite being a required vaccine in all states to attend public school, rates have been steadily decreasing over the last decade, CDC data shows.—
Arthur Jones II,
ABC News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Our diminishing water resources are being directed toward expanding cities.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The state officials, all Democrats, claimed the massive merger would give Nexstar too much control over local TV stations, ultimately hurting consumers by diminishing the diversity and quality of their newscasts.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But there were no signs that the conflict was subsiding.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Mar. 2026
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But, by the end of May, the issue was not subsiding.—
Evan Grant,
Dallas Morning News,
7 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office also reviewed evidence from West Jordan before declining to file charges.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
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Birth rates and fertility trends The administration is overhauling Title X in the context of declining birth rates.—
Dr. Céline Gounder,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The People’s Bank of China reaffirmed its cautious monetary easing stance in a quarterly meeting last month, after delivering only one 10-basis-point reduction in the policy interest rate in 2025.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
10 Apr. 2026
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Ice rollers and cryo tools are best for reducing puffiness, calming inflammation and easing morning swelling by temporarily constricting blood vessels.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalating. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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