deflate

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word deflate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of deflate are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might compress be a better fit than deflate?

The words compress and deflate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is it sensible to use condense instead of deflate?

While in some cases nearly identical to deflate, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

In what contexts can constrict take the place of deflate?

In some situations, the words constrict and deflate are roughly equivalent. However, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When is contract a more appropriate choice than deflate?

The meanings of contract and deflate largely overlap; however, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When would shrink be a good substitute for deflate?

The words shrink and deflate can be used in similar contexts, but shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

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 deflate McIlroy hit one of the worst chip shots in his career into the water at 13, and the air deflated after his second double of the day, but McIlroy kept trucking. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025 The Thunder blitzed the Lakers in the final six minutes, pulling away for what ended up looking like an easy win, the atmosphere clearly deflated from Los Angeles’ perspective. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2025 Your Next Read Pistons remain positive despite Game 3 loss to Knicks: ‘We won’t be deflated’ Lions 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Most needs were met, but was one edge rusher enough? Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025 There were just under three minutes left in the opening quarter of Game 1 at Madison Square Garden — a game the Knicks ultimately won, 123-112, behind a deflating 21-0 fourth-quarter run — and the Pistons were running a familiar play out of a sideline out-of-bounds. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • After his 4-foot putt went in during the one-hole playoff against Justin Rose, McIlroy threw his golf club in the air and collapsed to the ground.
    Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 15 May 2025
  • This is often not helped when an investment collapses or defaults, and commentators online and other advisory companies increase client doubts.
    Adam Fayed, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • The Jets emptied their net and watched as the seconds ticked off the clock in the offensive zone, just hoping for a shot on net to give them a chance at the 3-3 tie and the game in overtime.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025
  • By Tuesday morning, Mr. Poilievre’s campaign office, on the top floor of a building with signs for a church and a martial arts school in downtown Manotick, had largely been emptied.
    Ian Austen, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • In Sacramento, California, the weather service warned its office would have reduced staffing overnight.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • The current United squad may lack attributes needed for Amorim’s preferred tactical system to thrive, but yesterday exhibited a lack of mental focus that undermined every major action.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 12 May 2025
  • His mini-rehabilitation tour in the media is, in accustomed Biden fashion, doing more to undermine his case for himself than buttress it.
    Rich Lowry, National Review, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The interstellar medium in our Milky Way galaxy is magnetic, can be compressed, and is turbulent.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
  • So much fresh spinach done for you, cooked down and compressed for you.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • These clocks will, unfortunately, drain your batteries a little quicker but probably not fast enough to really take notice.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • They’re emotionally drained, exhausted by the mental gymnastics that have such a profound effect on their franchise’s direction.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • While the cost of groceries, on average, declined, the report found the price of dining out got more expensive and is up about 4% from the past year.
    Rachel Barber, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Rea had become a free agent when the Brewers declined their $5.5 million option for this year, deciding to instead pay him a $1 million buyout.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Others may develop it after pregnancy, as the muscles and ligaments around the uterus can loosen or weaken.
    Brandi Jones, Health, 10 May 2025
  • This weakens their ability to tailor experiences and erodes marketing efficiency.
    Amit Jhawar, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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