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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of de-escalate
Lower gas prices are due to the increasing stabilization in the Middle East as tensions between Iran and Israel de-escalate.
—
Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025
Prosecutors said the shooting happened as a fight in the bar's parking lot was de-escalating.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Her goal is to de-escalate the current situation and prevent a future situation.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Police Chief Rick Sanders stated that Wood attempted to de-escalate the situation before shooting Dorsey, who was unarmed.
—Molly Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Ally Goelz, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025
Prosecutors said the shooting happened as a fight in the bar's parking lot was de-escalating.
—Kevin Grasha, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025
Her goal is to de-escalate the current situation and prevent a future situation.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
Police Chief Rick Sanders stated that Wood attempted to de-escalate the situation before shooting Dorsey, who was unarmed.
—Molly Gregory, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
-
This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
-
Choose looser fits that reduce the pressure on your hair follicles.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
14 July 2025
Verb
-
The recent data represents a downward trend as COVID-19 cases and deaths have decreased statewide into early summer, the state dashboard shows.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
7 July 2025
-
Revenue has remained relatively stagnant, decreasing slightly from $153 million to $152 million over the past year.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The best wrinkle creams on Amazon prove that drugstore prices don't diminish efficacy.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
8 July 2025
-
Incentives for the best and brightest foreign science students to come to the U.S. are diminishing at the same time its competitors are increasing their efforts to attract the strongest STEM researchers.—
Marc Zimmer,
The Conversation,
7 July 2025
Verb
-
The excitement over Tesla’s robotaxi launch is subsiding as fewer social media videos are posted.—
Christiaan Hetzner,
Fortune,
2 July 2025
-
Investors have cheered as stocks have swiftly recovered to fresh highs and volatility has subsided.—
John Towfighi,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Even if paroled in Washington, California has active murder charges pending, Pack explained, working to ease concerns for those who are worried about public safety if he is paroled.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
9 July 2025
-
The forum comes one day after Detroit City Council approved regulatory changes to ease the burdens of obtaining a business license in the city.—
Dana Afana,
Freep.com,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share