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
The regional powers are seeking a way to de-escalate this war, which threatens their own energy security and borders.
—
James Legge, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
For example, after mass protests against federal immigration raids in Minneapolis, many of the biggest corporations operating in the state released an announcement that called on the government to de-escalate to reduce tensions in the area.
—David Cortright, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Even as Trump sought, at least publicly, to de-escalate the war, Israel and Iran weren’t listening.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit alleges that the dispute escalated over a period of time that would have allowed security to reasonably notice the situation and intervene, but the bar failed to de-escalate, separate the people involved in the dispute or remove them from the bar.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
James Legge, CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
For example, after mass protests against federal immigration raids in Minneapolis, many of the biggest corporations operating in the state released an announcement that called on the government to de-escalate to reduce tensions in the area.
—David Cortright, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Even as Trump sought, at least publicly, to de-escalate the war, Israel and Iran weren’t listening.
—Sudarsan Raghavan, New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2026
The lawsuit alleges that the dispute escalated over a period of time that would have allowed security to reasonably notice the situation and intervene, but the bar failed to de-escalate, separate the people involved in the dispute or remove them from the bar.
—Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Protective styles like low buns or braids can also reduce frizz throughout the day.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
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In her tenure, Colorado has taken major steps to increase price transparency, reduce hospital and prescription drug costs, and hold the health care industry accountable.—
Shaun Boyd,
CBS News,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This risk decreases as the storm moves away.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Apr. 2026
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As the war in Iran rages on, both rising oil prices and consumers’ decreasing desire to jet-set in uncertain times hang like a dark cloud over the industry, threatening to upend air travel across the world.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Together, the potential departures of two of Kansas City’s most experienced lawmakers — one on his own terms, one forced — could play a role in shaping the city’s future and diminish its ability to secure local priorities at the federal level.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
1 Apr. 2026
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Some of the gags are inspired, some are exasperating, none of them are presented in a way that suggests the filmmakers know the difference, and all of them are shoved down your throat until they’re diminished enough to swallow.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Tony Buxton, a climate and energy attorney at a legal and lobbying firm in Maine, told the WSJ that opposition to AI data centers in the state is unlikely to subside.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
3 Apr. 2026
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Efstathopoulos expects the speech to further fuel the risk-off sentiment as investors wait for uncertainty to subside.—
Anniek Bao,Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Taubel believes some of the supply problems have eased as early cultivator licensees' initial plants have fully grown and are cultivated.—
Caroline Cummings,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
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Reopening the Strait for food and fertilizer shipments would send an immediate signal to markets, ease pressure on vulnerable populations, and remind all parties that even now, a narrow channel for reason exists.—
Comfort Ero,
Time,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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