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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
However, a woman also dressed in Phillies gear, whose identity has not been verified by Newsweek, ran up to the father and son and demanded the baseball, which Drew reluctantly told Lincoln to give up to de-escalate the situation.
—
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Steve’s team is constantly de-escalating such conflict.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Suarez said the city would work with the group to de-escalate any conflicting dates.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Step away and de-escalate if possible.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Sep. 2025
Steve’s team is constantly de-escalating such conflict.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 6 Sep. 2025
Suarez said the city would work with the group to de-escalate any conflicting dates.
—Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
Step away and de-escalate if possible.
—Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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The researchers believe that the benefit likely comes from aspirin acting in several ways – by reducing inflammation and inhibiting platelet function and tumor growth.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
18 Sep. 2025
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In 2016, court filings indicate Gamez Lira was charged with possession of marijuana but ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct after the charges were reduced.—
Armando Garcia,
ABC News,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Spaying a female pet prevents uterine infections and greatly decreases the risk of breast tumors.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Sep. 2025
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Even with aggressive climate action that drastically decreases fossil fuel burning, the primary driver of global warming, smoke levels are likely to increase substantially, doubling by the middle of the century.—
Alejandra Borunda,
NPR,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
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But with Burrow now looking likely to miss the majority of the regular season, those chances look severely diminished.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
16 Sep. 2025
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One potential problem with this set-up is that the SCORE Act diminishes the role of state law in subject areas traditionally governed by states.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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From the Luddites smashing looms in 19th-century England to autoworkers walking out over the introduction of robots to the factory floor in the 1980s, resistance has flared before either being crushed or subsiding, giving way to the new economies and social orders the technologies ushered in.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
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The pharmaceutical company’s shares traded as high as $942 last summer, but have subsided to about $755.—
John Dorfman,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
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If mortgage rates continue to ease, home shoppers will benefit from more affordable financing.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
19 Sep. 2025
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History shows that rate cuts following a long pause in an easing cycle have given a big boost to smaller names.—
Fred Imbert,
CNBC,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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