1
as in to reduce
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 to decrease
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-escalate
But in order to de-escalate, the two countries need international mediation and a way for both of them to declare victory, experts said.
—
Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 8 May 2025
While no breakthroughs are expected, both sides have signaled a willingness to de-escalate.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 7 May 2025
When tensions arise, emotionally intelligent board members can help de-escalate conflicts, encourage constructive conversations, and ensure that decisions are made with empathy and understanding.
—Committee Of 200, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
The discussions mark a potential turning point in de-escalating the trade tensions ignited by Trump, who last month raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% while easing levies on most other countries.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 8 May 2025
While no breakthroughs are expected, both sides have signaled a willingness to de-escalate.
—Catherine Baab, Quartz, 7 May 2025
When tensions arise, emotionally intelligent board members can help de-escalate conflicts, encourage constructive conversations, and ensure that decisions are made with empathy and understanding.
—Committee Of 200, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025
The discussions mark a potential turning point in de-escalating the trade tensions ignited by Trump, who last month raised tariffs on Chinese goods to 145% while easing levies on most other countries.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Answer: Your withdrawals from retirement plans won’t reduce your Social Security directly.—
Liz Weston,
Los Angeles Times,
3 May 2025
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Now, Epic is going even further by reducing those fees to zero for a game's first $1 million in annual sales.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Load Or Run The Dishwasher Loading the dishwasher every night greatly helps decrease the visual clutter and mess that's in your kitchen.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
8 May 2025
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Research has also shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, according to a UC Davis Health blog post.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 May 2025
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Considering Sunderland have scored one goal in their last six matches, five of which have been lost, confidence on Wearside of a trip to Wembley has diminished.—
Michael Walker,
New York Times,
8 May 2025
Verb
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Lisa Wins, But Sincerity Takes the Crown When the eyeliner dries and the laughter subsides, Lisa Gilroy emerges as the episode’s victor.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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That fear subsided after the war became bogged down in Ukraine’s east.—
Rob Picheta,
CNN Money,
5 May 2025
Verb
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The most immediate focus is expected to be easing the punishing tariffs that have brought U.S.-China trade in sectors such as consumer electronics, agriculture, and industrial goods to a standstill.—
Shannon Carroll,
Quartz,
9 May 2025
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Now, that seems to be easing, amid a shifting interest-rate environment and new approaches to game-making, as numerous speakers at the recent Los Angeles Games Conference detailed.—
David Bloom,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 14 May. 2025.
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