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
The company’s said its 2026 financial outlook is based on the assumption that the Middle East conflict will de-escalate.
—
Davis Giangiulio,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
As officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, Wenger came out the residence, pointed, then allegedly threw, what was later determined to be an airsoft pistol at officers, according to Podgorski.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The pope also sent private letters to Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and worked behind the scenes through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Hopefully the situation will de-escalate to the point where negotiations can resume and a final agreement can be reached for the benefit of both countries and the world abroad.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Davis Giangiulio,lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 24 Apr. 2026
As officers attempted to de-escalate the situation, Wenger came out the residence, pointed, then allegedly threw, what was later determined to be an airsoft pistol at officers, according to Podgorski.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 21 Apr. 2026
The pope also sent private letters to Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev and worked behind the scenes through diplomatic channels to de-escalate the situation.
—Nicole Winfield, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2026
Hopefully the situation will de-escalate to the point where negotiations can resume and a final agreement can be reached for the benefit of both countries and the world abroad.
—Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
-
Connecticut’s Climate Progress report, required every three years by the state legislature, shows how Connecticut is continuing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Companies are taking steps to reduce their plastic consumption, according to Melissa Bastos, Cotton Incorporated director of corporate strategy and insights.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
27 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Last year, the number of officers killed decreased, both in terms of officers killed as a result of felonious acts and those killed accidentally.—
Kenneth D. Robinson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
Anyone can get Vibrio, but those with liver disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV, thalassemia, receiving immune-suppressing therapy, taking medicine to decrease stomach acid or having recently had stomach surgery are at high risk of severe complications.—
Eva Flowe
May 1,
Charlotte Observer,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Even the most ambitious stories often felt exhausted by the third installment, with diminishing creative and financial returns.—
Hua Hsu,
New Yorker,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Israel has repeatedly criticized the Lebanese government for not doing enough to diminish Hezbollah’s capabilities.—
Mustafa Qadri,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The still-plentiful coal trains south from Denver will subside as the coal plants at Pueblo, Fountain and other places retire in coming years.—
Allen Best,
Denver Post,
24 Apr. 2026
-
And while the conflict in the Middle East temporarily warded off deflation, the gains have since subsided as Chinese industry continues to run below capacity, the chief economist for Asia Pacific at French bank Natixis argued.—
Jeronimo Gonzalez,
semafor.com,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Those consumers have been increasingly seeking out solutions to ease the physical process, according to Circana.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
2 May 2026
-
Plane tickets are getting pricier After jumping to $209 a barrel in early April, the global price of jet fuel eased last week to around $179, still well above the roughly $99 at the end of February.—
Mae Anderson,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
