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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
The administration's rationale appears to center on China's failure to negotiate or de-escalate the trade war, coming after Beijing hiked tariffs on U.S. goods to 84 percent in its own bout of reciprocity.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but Smith turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but the male suspect turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Instead of taking their behavior personally, try to use empathy to de-escalate the tension and improve communication.
—Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but Smith turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but the male suspect turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Instead of taking their behavior personally, try to use empathy to de-escalate the tension and improve communication.
—Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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The goal of this prescribed burn is to decrease the existing fire hazard and to prevent and reduce the impact of future fires in the area.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
21 Apr. 2025
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Traditional office leasing implies maintainable overheads, upkeep costs and long-term financial commitments; modular offices eliminate them and reduce construction costs by as much as 30%.—
Ascend Agency,
New York Daily News,
21 Apr. 2025
Verb
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And the over-all number of abortions in the U.S. may eventually decrease as a result of Dobbs.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
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On the other hand, just 5 percent said tariffs would decrease prices in the short term, and 30 percent said the policy would lower prices in the long term.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The previous six champions were all diminished the following season by either injuries or significant roster changes.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.—
Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While the threat of more tornadoes has subsided in the Great Plains, fire danger remains elevated Monday in the region.—
Ginger Zee,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2025
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Inflation, which went wild post-Covid, subsided in February, according to data yesterday that gave markets a brief reprieve.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Menstrual Cycle Support Tea promotes hormonal balance, eases menstrual cramps, and aids with managing sugar cravings.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Getting Mitchell off the ball more also balanced the offense and eased the load on Mitchell’s balky knees … and worked so well that the Cavs led the league in offensive efficiency.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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