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

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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

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 Two regional officials said the visit was part of Islamabad’s efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran and urge them to return to the negotiating table. — Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug. 2026 This way of handling stress occurs when someone acts calm, appeases the threatening person and retreats to de-escalate the situation. — Michele Patterson Ford, The Conversation, 19 Aug. 2026 Behaving calmly, moving slowly, and speaking in a low calm voice will help de-escalate the situation. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 The federal department touted the gloves as a way to de-escalate tense situations for personnel at ICE, including deportation officers and homeland security investigators. — Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 16 Aug. 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
  • Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For instance, a creditor might bid $35,000 for a $50,000 SUV, reducing the judgment by that amount, then sell it for $50,000, pocketing $15,000.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Travel data shows the average group size for trips has decreased since COVID-19 began.
    — Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • To continue decreasing the vacancy rate, Center City Partners has focused on older buildings that aren’t as appealing to a return-to-office workforce That focus is on renovations or conversions.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.
    — Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.
    — Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • Though impending rainstorms are likely to make rescue operations more difficult, officials say a previous threat from a lake that had formed on the border between Nepal and Tibet has substantially subsided.
    — Robert McGreevy, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Opinion ​polls gave the king firm backing to stay on for life, however, and the criticism subsided.
    — Terje Solsvik, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of subside
Verb
  • Anti-anxiety medications, including benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Librium, Xanax and Valium, can work quickly to ease extreme worry, fear, social anxiety or panic attacks.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Bidets may also ease discomfort from hemorrhoids, fistulas and anal fissures, and help people with chronic diarrhea or conditions that require frequent wiping.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of ease

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Cite this Entry

“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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