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
President Trump has hit Europe with several waves of tariffs and is only beginning to make deals to de-escalate the situation.
—
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Two years ago, Mercado was praised by the city’s Civilian Investigative Panel for de-escalating a situation involving her partner, according to story from WTVJ Channel 6.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
This temporary truce, effective from May 14, aims to de-escalate trade tensions and provide a window for further negotiations.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025
In Washington, the White House said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in constant contact with the leaders of both countries and reiterated that President Donald Trump wants to see the conflict de-escalate.
—USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 19 May 2025
Two years ago, Mercado was praised by the city’s Civilian Investigative Panel for de-escalating a situation involving her partner, according to story from WTVJ Channel 6.
—Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 17 May 2025
This temporary truce, effective from May 14, aims to de-escalate trade tensions and provide a window for further negotiations.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 16 May 2025
In Washington, the White House said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in constant contact with the leaders of both countries and reiterated that President Donald Trump wants to see the conflict de-escalate.
—USA Today, 11 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.—
Esther Kang,
People.com,
28 May 2025
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With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.—
Sebastian Stafford-Bloor,
New York Times,
28 May 2025
Verb
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The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
1 June 2025
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These students, many already at an educational disadvantage, are left with instability, fewer learning opportunities and decreased academic performance.—
Lakeisha Wells Palmer,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 June 2025
Verb
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
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But missing those goals doesn’t diminish the importance of potentially revising the target, for which the Paris Agreement includes a review mechanism, Stokes said.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
Verb
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So much oil got sucked out of the port and its neighborhoods that the ground started to subside, in some places yards deep.—
Patt Morrison,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
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There was a slight uptick in turnovers in the postseason, but that must subside against the Thunder.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
20 May 2025
Verb
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Babies love latching onto the soft, squishy silicone, easing the transition from breast- to bottlefeeding, and the anti-colic valve means there will be fewer burps.—
Toby Rose,
Parents,
22 May 2025
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And deficit hawks may be happy to cut back on green-energy projects and rural-hospital funding pots of money, but that won’t ease the sting of this bill’s overall price tag.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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