Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for de-escalate. Search instead for liebessalaten.
Definitions

de-escalate

[dee-es-kuh-leyt] / diˈɛs kəˌleɪt /
VERB
lessen
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate curtail decrease dilute diminish dwindle ease erode impair lighten minimize mitigate narrow shrink slacken taper off weaken
STRONG
abridge amputate attenuate clip close contract crop cut decline degrade downsize drain minify moderate soft pedal taper thin truncate
WEAK
become smaller cut back die down grow less roll back slack up slow down take the bite out take the edge off take the sting out wind down
Antonyms
STRONGEST
develop enlarge expand extend grow increase intensify irritate lengthen prolong strengthen worsen
STRONG
go up rise stretch
WEAK
raise
VERB
lower
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curtail cut cut down decrease depreciate devalue diminish downgrade knock off lessen pare scale down slash soften
STRONG
abate clip decry deflate demote devaluate downsize moderate prune shave undervalue
WEAK
cut back mark down roll back tone down write off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen prolong raise
WEAK
elevate heighten
VERB
subside
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abate descend diminish dwindle ease ease off ebb melt peter out recede slacken wane
STRONG
collapse decline drop fall lower lull moderate quieten settle sink taper
WEAK
cave in die away let up level off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
develop enlarge expand extend grow increase prolong rise
STRONG
ascend go up

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Officers attempted to leave the area to de-escalate.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 25, 2026

The major U.S. stock-market indexes have moved higher for three consecutive weeks on the news that the U.S. and Iran have been working together to de-escalate the conflict in the Middle East.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 19, 2026

Macklem added that recent steps to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East are welcome, but risks remain elevated.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

"The best economic policy now, not just for the UK, but globally, is to de-escalate," the chancellor told CNBC's Invest in America forum.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Japan said that "concrete steps" are needed to de-escalate the crisis, including ensuring the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

Vocabulary lists containing de-escalate

This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 29–April 4, 2026

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

This Book Won't Burn

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

(S)Kin

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!