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
Evans-Pritchard added that de-escalating the standoff might be challenging.
—
John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
Officers tried to de-escalate the standoff but the woman refused to comply or get out of her vehicle, police said.
—Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate 
John Ruwitch, NPR, 4 Feb. 2025
Officers tried to de-escalate the standoff but the woman refused to comply or get out of her vehicle, police said.
—Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 4 Feb. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Removing too may fronds reduces the vigor of the palm, as these portions manufacture nutrients needed to grow and remain healthy.—
Tom MacCubbin,
Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2025
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Living fences reduce soil erosion and stormwater runoff, while softening your house more than wood or steel fences.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Africa’s lion population has decreased by nearly half over the past quarter century, according to the African Wildlife Foundation, and the lion is regionally extinct in 15 African countries.—
Kathryn Romeyn,
AFAR Media,
11 Feb. 2025
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In other second-quarter statistics, there was a 50.9 percent gross margin rate, representing an increase of 110 basis points year-over-year; inventory decreased 1.3 percent last quarter to 404.6 million euros.—
David Moin,
WWD,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Although his output had diminished, from an availability and form perspective, Villa valued him higher than Douglas Luiz or Diaby and with greater scope for improvement.—
Jacob Tanswell,
The Athletic,
13 Feb. 2025
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This has less to do with a diminishing talent pool than a changing industry where the lines between Corman’s world and Hollywood at large became more sharply drawn.—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
13 Feb. 2025
Verb
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By most measures, political violence subsided after January 2021, in part because hundreds of participants in the January 6 attack were convicted and imprisoned.—
STEVEN LEVITSKY,
Foreign Affairs,
11 Feb. 2025
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Ultimately, the north winds subsided and hundreds of firefighters and volunteers got the fire under control.—
Jenny Jarvie,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Nearly two-thirds of employers said easing inflation, stabilizing interest rates and a steady unemployment rate should support headcount growth this year, according to a survey conducted last fall.—
Bailey Schulz,
USA TODAY,
15 Feb. 2025
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However, investors’ worries were eased as Trump held off from implementing levies immediately.—
Pia Singh,Sawdah Bhaimiya,
CNBC,
14 Feb. 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 20 Feb. 2025.
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