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
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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de-escalate Hopefully the situation will de-escalate to the point where negotiations can resume and a final agreement can be reached for the benefit of both countries and the world abroad. —
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 Galban and Morffi had tried to de-escalate the conflict but instead were targeted by the guards, the declaration states. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026 The man refused to comply with at least 20 orders by police to drop the knife, Tisch said, adding police also attempted to de-escalate and offer him help. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 If the war de-escalates meaningfully, markets can begin rotating away from pure geopolitical hedges and back toward businesses with durable growth just as Alphabet’s transformation into an AI-first and services platform continues to accelerate. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 Galban and Morffi had tried to de-escalate the conflict but instead were targeted by the guards, the declaration states. —Garrett Shanley, Miami Herald, 11 Apr. 2026 The man refused to comply with at least 20 orders by police to drop the knife, Tisch said, adding police also attempted to de-escalate and offer him help. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 11 Apr. 2026 If the war de-escalates meaningfully, markets can begin rotating away from pure geopolitical hedges and back toward businesses with durable growth just as Alphabet’s transformation into an AI-first and services platform continues to accelerate. —Tony Zhang, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Keep your focus inward, reduce noise, and protect your energy.— Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
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Avoid planting garlic near peas, beans, and asparagus, as garlic may compete with these vegetables for nutrients (particularly nitrogen), inhibit their growth, and reduce their yield.— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Despite being a required vaccine in all states to attend public school, rates have been steadily decreasing over the last decade, CDC data shows.— Arthur Jones II, ABC News, 17 Apr. 2026
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Firstly, glasses with any tint, regardless of color, will decrease overall light transmission.— John Paul Senior Manager Public Affairs And Traffic Safety Aaa Northeast, Hartford Courant, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Perpetuating ageism diminishes all of us.— Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026
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The change reflects assessment that downside risks from a severe and prolonged tariff shock have diminished after US duties on Thai exports were reduced to levels broadly in line with regional peers, Moody’s said in a statement Tuesday.— Bloomberg, Bloomberg, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In 2020, Bad Robot capitalized on another moment in time to strike a megabucks renewal deal with WBTV — but momentum has observably subsided within the once-utopian Bad Robot offices (complete with a private chef and movie stars working in residence).— Joe Otterson, Variety, 8 Apr. 2026
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The shock of it all has only started to subside.— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Creating that kind of structure, Manning suggests, is essential to easing the pressure teachers carry long after the school day ends.— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 18 Apr. 2026
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Pair it with the Deep Sleep Body Cocoon for a calming duo to gently ease you into relaxation before sleep.— ABC News, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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