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
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
While some of Trump’s closest allies want Zelensky to apologize to the president before receiving more U.S. support, other Republicans are trying to de-escalate the situation.
—
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Mar. 2025
Police said the officer attempted to distance himself from the man in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but that the officer fired a shot.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Use silence to de-escalate conflict—In tense situations, a moment of silence can prevent emotional reactions from escalating.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Family members have filed a lawsuit against the deputy, accusing him of failing to de-escalate the tension of what could have been a routine traffic stop.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Alexander Bolton, The Hill, 4 Mar. 2025
Police said the officer attempted to distance himself from the man in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but that the officer fired a shot.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2025
Use silence to de-escalate conflict—In tense situations, a moment of silence can prevent emotional reactions from escalating.
—Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
Family members have filed a lawsuit against the deputy, accusing him of failing to de-escalate the tension of what could have been a routine traffic stop.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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These layoffs reduced staffing at some local weather forecast offices to threadbare levels, causing some to reduce their services.—
Andrew Freedman,
Axios,
17 Mar. 2025
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Although reducing the property tax burden could provide significant benefits to business owners and homeowners, there’s no guarantee that landlords would pass those savings on to their tenants.—
Matthew Kelly,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2025
Verb
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New York Open Data showed that certain types of delays, such as those related to braking issues, rail and roadbed problems and service delivery, decreased on the A line from September to December.—
Nic F. Anderson,
CNN,
9 Mar. 2025
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The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The intense criticism of the COVID response has left a lingering public distrust in health and diminished their influence.—
Tina Reed,
Axios,
10 Mar. 2025
-
The seeming smallness of the story does nothing to diminish the film’s bleakness nor blunt its ultimately devastating impact.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
9 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Crime has since subsided, though its memory hasn’t.—
Aatish Bhatia,
New York Times,
10 Mar. 2025
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The uproar surrounding the election has not subsided since that time, despite Ganim later winning two court-ordered re-do elections in 2024.—
Andrew Brown,
Hartford Courant,
7 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Offer Remote Work Rewards One way HR leaders can ease return-to-office pushback is by giving employees more control.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
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Research suggests that bromelain has anti-inflammatory properties and helps ease sore throats and clear sinuses.—
Julie Marks,
Verywell Health,
10 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to de-escalate
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
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