de-escalate

verb

(ˌ)dē-ˈe-skə-ˌlāt How to pronounce de-escalate (audio)
Definition of de-escalatenext
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

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 Yankees reliever Fernando Cruz also did his best to de-escalate things, calming Contreras and some of his teammates with pats on the chest. — Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026 The helicopters' role was to de-escalate the situation by trying to engage with the pilot while the armed F-16s provided backup. — Luke Barr, ABC News, 3 July 2026 The boy's family is filing a legal claim with the city of Santa Ana, claiming police failed to properly de-escalate the situation. — Michele Gile, CBS News, 24 June 2026 Geopolitical developments have dominated weekend newsflow, with a flare-up of tensions in Iran being quickly de-escalated. — Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
  1. reduce
  2. decrease
  3. diminish
  4. subside
  5. ease
Verb
  • Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.
    — Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
  • Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.
    — Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Plus, new windows are more energy efficient than old ones, meaning a summer installation can decrease your energy bill now and when temperatures drop in the fall and winter.
    — Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Doubles players fear for their tennis future after being told by the ATP Tour that prize money and tournament sizes will decrease significantly starting in 2028.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 July 2026
  • The union said that unresolved complaints made against Hawk and existing climate issues have significantly diminished confidence among many educators.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Best Linen Pants Deals When blazing-hot afternoons suddenly subside into breezy evenings, linen pants help keep you cool while offering the right amount of coverage.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
  • Investors’ fears of Anthropic’s Mythos model, which was launched in April, upending all cybersecurity software businesses, have since subsided.
    — Kirk Ogunrinde, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of subside
Verb
  • Despite hot, humid conditions, a respectable crowd has already gathered, with organizers expecting attendance to grow as temperatures ease later this evening.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • This would let traffic flow, which is so necessary for the vitality and economy of Chicago; provide a safer route for bikers; and ease the frustration of all of those on the streets of Chicago.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of ease

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deerskins
de-escalate
de-escalated
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Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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