1
as in reducing
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 decreasing
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-escalating
Maybe a mental-health professional might have lowered the danger level, de-escalating the situation.
—
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Bouchard credits the drones for de-escalating the situation.
—
Heath Kalb,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Takaichi said the two leaders agreed on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict and to secure the safety of the vital waterway and the stable supply of goods.
—
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
But if the conflict shows no sign of de-escalating before that point, giving security and confidence to F1 and the FIA that the events could go ahead without any risks, then the only course of action would be to cancel both races.
—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
That’s because Putin is focused on Ukraine, and Norway is skilled in de-escalating tense standoffs.
—
Tom Yulsman,
Time,
23 Feb. 2026
Lyons credited Homan with de-escalating the situation.
—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down.
—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Loon said de-escalating tensions is in the best interest of Minnesota’s business community.
—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
Charles Selle,
Chicago Tribune,
29 June 2026
Bouchard credits the drones for de-escalating the situation.
—
Heath Kalb,
CBS News,
9 May 2026
Takaichi said the two leaders agreed on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict and to secure the safety of the vital waterway and the stable supply of goods.
—
ABC News,
1 Apr. 2026
But if the conflict shows no sign of de-escalating before that point, giving security and confidence to F1 and the FIA that the events could go ahead without any risks, then the only course of action would be to cancel both races.
—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
That’s because Putin is focused on Ukraine, and Norway is skilled in de-escalating tense standoffs.
—
Tom Yulsman,
Time,
23 Feb. 2026
Lyons credited Homan with de-escalating the situation.
—
Andrea Castillo,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
The agent who appeared to be de-escalating a separate agent turns attention to the agent deploying pepper spray and waves him down.
—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Loon said de-escalating tensions is in the best interest of Minnesota’s business community.
—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalating
Verb
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Manucurist formulates its masks with panthenol, a form of vitamin B5, to hydrate and strengthen dry nails over time, reducing breakage.
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Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
Verb
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Most of these early mandate states were centered around the Northeast, where viral spread started decreasing as a result of normal season patterns.
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Across the United States, cities are decreasing the number of available psychiatric beds just as demand is surging.
Verb
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Others expressed concerns about diminishing Black voting power.
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Movies Are Good, Actually By Michael O’Donnell A film critic’s new book attacks the medium for diminishing culture.
Verb
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The afternoon started tough until the wind kept subsiding, and players began taking aim at flags.
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Weather service and public safety officials said the safest thing to do is to stay away from the beaches altogether until the southern swells start subsiding.
Verb
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After years of declining sales, American Girl dolls are seeing a resurgence.
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The state also has goals, including some that have been in place since 2012, that set declining limits on smog-causing pollutants and required automakers to sell increasing percentages of electric and hybrid vehicles through 2025.
Verb
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After easing through the first three innings, Bryan Reynolds hit a double off the top of the left field fence and Valdez bombed one to left to cut the Phillies' lead to 5-2.
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The quarter that contained that second spike closes this week, and the fund updates that follow are the next read on whether the pressure is easing or building.
Cite this Entry
“De-escalating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalating. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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