de-escalate
verb
de-es·ca·late
(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt 
nonstandard -ˈe-skyə-
de-escalated; de-escalating; de-escalates
: limit sense 2b
de-escalate production
tried to de-escalate the tension
: to decrease in extent, volume, or scope
violence began to de-escalate
Synonyms
Examples of de-escalate in a Sentence
first, the mediator tried to de-escalate the tension in the room
the fighting de-escalated as the peace talks progressed
Recent Examples on the Web
As the situation escalates, Iris’ good friends Max (Geraldine Viswanathan) and Kenny (John Reynolds) arrive at the house and try to de-escalate the situation.
—
Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
For now, Trumpian aggression has won the day: U.S. and Colombian diplomats—who know each other well and are used to collaborating closely—had little trouble finding a compromise to de-escalate the crisis.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
The move is part of the rebels' ongoing effort to de-escalate tensions following a ceasefire in Gaza.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Most of the San Antonio police officers shot while trying to de-escalate a possible suicide Wednesday are heading home to recover, the San Antonio Police Department said in a Facebook post.
—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate 
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Jourdain Searles, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
For now, Trumpian aggression has won the day: U.S. and Colombian diplomats—who know each other well and are used to collaborating closely—had little trouble finding a compromise to de-escalate the crisis.
—Quico Toro, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2025
The move is part of the rebels' ongoing effort to de-escalate tensions following a ceasefire in Gaza.
—Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025
Most of the San Antonio police officers shot while trying to de-escalate a possible suicide Wednesday are heading home to recover, the San Antonio Police Department said in a Facebook post.
—Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate
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Dictionary Entries Near de-escalate
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/de-escalate. Accessed 16 Feb. 2025.
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