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
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
The Fort Worth Police Department employs a Crisis Intervention Team whose mission is to de-escalate and resolve these situations peacefully.
—
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
Staying on the ground and walking with and talking to protesters, police hope to build legitimacy – a bridge of communication that could de-escalate potential conflicts.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025
In desperate 911 calls, workers describe gunman, deadly shootout at Broward Transit center
Whether a dangerous call ends with officers shooting or successfully de-escalating often depends on the responding officer’s disposition, said Philip Sweeting, retired Boca Raton Deputy Chief of Police.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Riley and Heat majority owner Micky Arison recently met with Butler's representation to talk out his grievances.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate 
Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025
Staying on the ground and walking with and talking to protesters, police hope to build legitimacy – a bridge of communication that could de-escalate potential conflicts.
—Alfredo Sosa, The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Jan. 2025
In desperate 911 calls, workers describe gunman, deadly shootout at Broward Transit center
Whether a dangerous call ends with officers shooting or successfully de-escalating often depends on the responding officer’s disposition, said Philip Sweeting, retired Boca Raton Deputy Chief of Police.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2025
In an effort to de-escalate the situation, Riley and Heat majority owner Micky Arison recently met with Butler's representation to talk out his grievances.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 4 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Tailor For Expense Reduction Messaging When crafting your capabilities statement, customize it to showcase how your business can help agencies reduce costs: • Use metrics to quantify savings from previous contracts.—
Col. Rafael Marrero,
Forbes,
15 Jan. 2025
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And the disaster has exposed holes in the region's preparations to reduce the chances of fires getting so unmanageable and to keep communities safer.—
Lauren Sommer,
NPR,
15 Jan. 2025
Verb
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These tremendous reductions have been linked to fewer respiratory illnesses, decreased hospital visits, and ultimately, lives saved and reducing climate impacts.—
Margo T. Oge,
Forbes,
20 Jan. 2025
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Range within the city is only around 120 miles (193 km) while cruising around on the freeway will decrease that number further to 71 miles (114 km).—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
19 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Health experts fear that a US withdrawal from the agency would significantly diminish the agency's resources and capabilities, leave the world more vulnerable to health threats, and isolate the US, hurting its own interests and leaving the country less prepared to respond to another pandemic.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
21 Jan. 2025
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The new aid package swiftly follows Donald Trump's inauguration as president of the United States once more, and U.S. support for Ukraine could diminish soon.—
Kristen Waggoner,
Newsweek,
21 Jan. 2025
Verb
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Happiness is something fans appear to be embracing on Erika these days, with the onslaught of social media negativity subsiding in favor of praise.—
Dave Quinn,
People.com,
15 Jan. 2025
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Following last year's devastating tornadoes and storms, insurance challenges are unlikely to subside anytime soon.—
Linh Ta,
Axios,
14 Jan. 2025
Verb
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On Tuesday, crude settled below $76 and that will hopefully help ease concerns over a return of inflation.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes,
22 Jan. 2025
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The congestion pricing plan, which launched on Jan. 5, newly charges passenger vehicles $9 to access Manhattan below 60th Street during peak hours as part of an effort to ease congestion and raise funds for the city's public transit system.—
Meredith Deliso,
ABC News,
21 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
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