defuse

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.

If older couples start arguing about money, their tax preparer can try to defuse tensions by looking ahead and conjuring a worst-case scenario.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 5, 2026

The Turkish government mounted a diplomatic effort to avoid the current U.S. and Israeli military offensive on Iran, and Turkish officials say they have continued to push to defuse the crisis in recent days.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

Despite the prime minister's attempt to defuse the row, some of his own MPs are calling on him to stand down.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

The bloc's efforts to defuse Myanmar's ongoing civil war have centred around a five-point plan that Myanmar agreed to in 2021 but has borne little fruit.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

I thought being quiet—speaking only when I absolutely had to—would help defuse whatever tension existed between us, but it only seemed to make things more intense.

From "A Very Large Expanse of Sea" by Tahereh Mafi