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
Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of de-escalate
Without guardrails, red lines or a strategy to de-escalate, further conflict remains in the cards.
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Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
Because 988’s primary function is to de-escalate anxiety and stress and to connect people with helpful local resources, much of what counselors can do is to listen to and acknowledge feelings or uncertainty or worry.
—Alice Park, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Empathy helps de-escalate tensions and enables a shift from argument or blame to real problem-solving.
3.
—Danny Ertel, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
In other examples, Nolan has helped de-escalate situations when people experienced mental health episodes in local coffee shops and churches.
—Ishita Chordia, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate 
Tracy Wilkinson, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2024
Because 988’s primary function is to de-escalate anxiety and stress and to connect people with helpful local resources, much of what counselors can do is to listen to and acknowledge feelings or uncertainty or worry.
—Alice Park, TIME, 25 Oct. 2024
Empathy helps de-escalate tensions and enables a shift from argument or blame to real problem-solving.
3.
—Danny Ertel, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
In other examples, Nolan has helped de-escalate situations when people experienced mental health episodes in local coffee shops and churches.
—Ishita Chordia, The Conversation, 23 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for de-escalate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for de-escalate
Verb
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Opened in 1956, Sunnyvale High School, the city’s second public high school, worked to achieve collaboration between students and educators, aiming to reduce violence and enrich the curriculum during the interracial tension that marked the 1960s and ’70s.Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
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Roofing contractors said good roofs with years of life left are being replaced ahead of schedule to allow insurers to reduce their risk going forward.Aldo Svaldi, The Denver Post, 10 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Selling and marketing expenses decreased to $0.03 million from $0.23 million, primarily due to a decrease in sales revenue.Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
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Two items better known for cleaning swimming pools and moisturizing dry skin might help protect the Earth’s corals and decrease antibiotic resistance and pollution in the ocean.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Nov. 2024
Verb
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As new ways become familiar, employees recognize their advantages, and resistance gradually diminishes.Peter Follows, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
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Black Lives Matter is severely diminished as an institution.Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Storm surge, wind and rain should subside on the island Wednesday night as Rafael traverses the Gulf of Mexico.Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
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Lo knows to play a long game, and plans to remain steadfast while waiting for the turmoil to subside.Zinnia Lee, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
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Exercise will ease stress and encourage you to kick back, evaluate and conclude what’s best for you.Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024
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Getting outside and going on a walk or run is certainly one way to get some fresh air and ease your mind.Carolyn Burt, Orange County Register, 11 Nov. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“De-escalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/de-escalate. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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