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
According to Ostermeier, lowering your voice and de-escalating the situation will help decrease your pet's fear and anxiety.
—
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
In a separate statement, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said de-escalating the situation on the bridge so no one was hurt was a top priority for responding deputies.
—Antonia Hylton, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
The police attempted to de-escalate the scene by first ordering him to drop his lethal weapon, then employing a taser and the threat of a police dog.
—U T Opinion, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The news release says officers spent the half-hour attempting to de-escalate the situation before killing the person.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025
In a separate statement, Hamilton County Sheriff Charmaine McGuffey said de-escalating the situation on the bridge so no one was hurt was a top priority for responding deputies.
—Antonia Hylton, NBC News, 12 Feb. 2025
The police attempted to de-escalate the scene by first ordering him to drop his lethal weapon, then employing a taser and the threat of a police dog.
—U T Opinion, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The news release says officers spent the half-hour attempting to de-escalate the situation before killing the person.
—Nate Gartrell, The Mercury News, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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The venue renovations have significantly increased hospitality and premium offerings with new pubs, clubs, restaurants and seating, while reducing the number of suites from 70 to 40.—
Kurt Badenhausen,
Sportico.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Or has your life together reduced him to, as in your letter, a list of maddening attributes?—
James Parker,
The Atlantic,
4 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
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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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If there is a way for Germany to quickly ease its debt constraints that would be a positive.—
Mike O'Sullivan,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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The nation is not prepared to vaccinate birds, but will increase research into immunization and ease regulations to reduce costs, the agency said.—
Kate Gibson,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 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 13 Mar. 2025.
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