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
The administration's rationale appears to center on China's failure to negotiate or de-escalate the trade war, coming after Beijing hiked tariffs on U.S. goods to 84 percent in its own bout of reciprocity.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but Smith turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but the male suspect turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Instead of taking their behavior personally, try to use empathy to de-escalate the tension and improve communication.
—Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but Smith turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
The female, whose age was not released, was able to escape the bedroom while responding officers tried to de-escalate the situation, police said, but the male suspect turned a gun toward an officer.
—Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Instead of taking their behavior personally, try to use empathy to de-escalate the tension and improve communication.
—Diana Lowe, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Standardization can also reduce due diligence burdens.—
The Sorenson Impact Institute,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Higher temperatures may also reduce the sugar content of maple sap, meaning producers will need to collect and boil more sap to produce the same quantities of syrup.—
Nina Foster,
JSTOR Daily,
28 Mar. 2025
Verb
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On the other hand, just 5 percent said tariffs would decrease prices in the short term, and 30 percent said the policy would lower prices in the long term.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Apr. 2025
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And the over-all number of abortions in the U.S. may eventually decrease as a result of Dobbs.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The previous six champions were all diminished the following season by either injuries or significant roster changes.—
Jay King,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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Lacy turned himself in to police on Jan. 12, but his NFL Draft prospects were significantly diminished by the wreck.—
Joseph Wilkinson,
New York Daily News,
13 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While the threat of more tornadoes has subsided in the Great Plains, fire danger remains elevated Monday in the region.—
Ginger Zee,
ABC News,
17 Mar. 2025
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Inflation, which went wild post-Covid, subsided in February, according to data yesterday that gave markets a brief reprieve.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
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The Menstrual Cycle Support Tea promotes hormonal balance, eases menstrual cramps, and aids with managing sugar cravings.—
Bianca Salonga,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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Getting Mitchell off the ball more also balanced the offense and eased the load on Mitchell’s balky knees … and worked so well that the Cavs led the league in offensive efficiency.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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