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
Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz also did his best to de-escalate things, calming Contreras and some of his teammates with pats on the chest.
—
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2026
The boy's family is filing a legal claim with the city of Santa Ana, claiming police failed to properly de-escalate the situation.
—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Flight attendants who can’t de-escalate a difficult passenger.
—
Michelle Sobel,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
If the child is older, simply bringing it to their attention is usually enough to de-escalate the situation.
—
Joey Skladany,
Travel + Leisure,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Gary Phillips,
New York Daily News,
27 June 2026
The boy's family is filing a legal claim with the city of Santa Ana, claiming police failed to properly de-escalate the situation.
—
Michele Gile,
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Flight attendants who can’t de-escalate a difficult passenger.
—
Michelle Sobel,
Fortune,
23 June 2026
If the child is older, simply bringing it to their attention is usually enough to de-escalate the situation.
—
Joey Skladany,
Travel + Leisure,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
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Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.
Verb
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Plus, new windows are more energy efficient than old ones, meaning a summer installation can decrease your energy bill now and when temperatures drop in the fall and winter.
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Doubles players fear for their tennis future after being told by the ATP Tour that prize money and tournament sizes will decrease significantly starting in 2028.
Verb
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Historically, after that period, the chances of survival without a water source diminish rapidly.
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Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.
Verb
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Without tick bites, red meat, or dairy to incite it, the immune response will subside eventually.
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A little light headedness was the only immediate side effect for a first-timer, but that quickly subsided.
Verb
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Despite hot, humid conditions, a respectable crowd has already gathered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow as temperatures ease later this evening.
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This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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