tensions rising
- escalatingIncreasing by degrees
- brewingBeverage preparation process
- conflictOpposition between parties
- standoffUnresolved confrontation between opponents
- simmeringCooking below boiling point
boiling · pressure · confrontation · friction · hostility · unease · brink · showdown · strained · volatile · powder keg · flashpoint · heated · mounting · crisis · taut · edge · confrontational
escalation vs. de-escalation
tensions risingde-escalation
Reducing conflict intensity
calming down · winding down · backing off · stepping back · standing down
conflict state
tensions risingpeace
Freedom from disturbance
harmony · calm · détente · reconciliation · rapprochement