DE-ESCALATES Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

de-escalates

verb

present tense third-person singular of de-escalate

as in reduces

to make smaller in amount, volume, or extent first, the mediator tried to de-escalate the tension in the room

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in decreases

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

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-escalates On the other hand, if the conflict with Iran de-escalates and oil prices settle down soon, bond yields could fall. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026 You will be surprised by how often the familiarity of the song de-escalates the tension. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 3 June 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalates

Verb

The anti-immigrant movement reduces kids to constitutional hypotheticals and demographic statistics.

— Hannah Harshe, Washington Post, 26 Oct. 2026
That gives Jaylen Warren a favorable matchup and reduces the need for Aaron Rodgers to force throws downfield.

— Dan Zaksheske OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of reduces

Verb

Later in the week and into the weekend, the chance of rain decreases with spotty showers possible through Halloween weekend.

— CBS News, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
Studies have found that having strong muscles significantly decreases the higher risk of disease and early death that’s linked to chronic inflammation.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of decreases

Verb

The local control is missing and the local responsibility diminishes significantly.

— John E. McDonough, STAT, 16 Oct. 2026
Pyrad works by instantaneously thickening when exposed to fire, forming a char that diminishes heat exposure, extinguishes flames, and decreases the risk of third-degree burns.

— Derek Rose, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of diminishes

Verb

Chadchart said despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials are working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Ideally, those refugees would remain in human care for years or even decades until the mussel invasion subsides.

— CBS News, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of subsides

Verb

The Salt Lake County clerk requests assistance to secure the polls, but the sheriff, unsure about jurisdiction, declines.

— Barton Gellman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
Steep declines across the tech space, led by Meta and the chip sector, saw Nasdaq log its worst day since June.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of declines

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de-escalated

de-escalates

de-escalating

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“De-escalates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalates. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of de-escalates

verb

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