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
China is willing to play a constructive role in helping to de-escalate the situation.
—
Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Bahrain, whose monarchy Iran has repeatedly attempted to topple, urged Israel to de-escalate.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation, organizers say.
—Amy Taxin, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Park security intervened, breaking up the fight as several tourists rushed to try and help de-escalate the altercation.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 June 2025
Bahrain, whose monarchy Iran has repeatedly attempted to topple, urged Israel to de-escalate.
—Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 13 June 2025
Participants are expected to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation, organizers say.
—Amy Taxin, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2025
Park security intervened, breaking up the fight as several tourists rushed to try and help de-escalate the altercation.
—Moná Thomas, People.com, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Here are recommendations for maintaining safety during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 June 2025
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Yerevan has since sought to diversify its defense sources, reducing arms imports from Russia to as low as 10 percent by 2024.—
Paul Iddon,
Forbes.com,
8 June 2025
Verb
-
The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
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Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.—
Charna Flam,
People.com,
14 June 2025
Verb
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
14 June 2025
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The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.—
Ariel Cohen,
Forbes.com,
14 June 2025
Verb
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Yet, the excitement quickly subsided—shares fell 1.18% in after-hours trading to $178.84 following a mixed Q1 earnings report that exceeded EPS expectations but fell short on sales forecasts.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2025
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The rain had stopped and much of the floodwater was subsiding.—
Gerald Imray,
Los Angeles Times,
13 June 2025
Verb
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Higher oil prices from the Middle East conflict likely further reduce the odds the Fed will ease monetary policy anytime soon.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
15 June 2025
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Chase impressed us all with his stamina, good spirits, and ease around grown-ups.—
Elizabeth Cantrell,
Travel + Leisure,
14 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 19 Jun. 2025.
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