Synonyms of deflate

deflate

verb

1

as in to collapse

to become smaller in size or volume due to loss of contents

We kept her birthday decorations up until the balloons started deflating.

Related Words

• collapse
• compress
• flatten
• drip
• shrink
• leak
• shrivel
• condense
• constrict
• dry up
• contract
• decrease
• wilt
• wither
• seep
• diminish
• withdraw
• mummify
• trickle
• ooze
• dwindle
• lessen
• recede
• wizen
• retreat
• abate

Dissimilar Words

• inflate
• bulk
• increase
• dilate
• blow up
• expand
• swell
• balloon
• puff (up)
• grow
• distend
• accumulate
• snowball
• mushroom

2

as in to empty

to make smaller in size or volume by removing the contents

Please deflate the air mattress and fold it up before you leave.

Related Words

• empty
• drain
• evacuate
• pump
• clear
• clean
• flatten
• suck
• compress
• tap
• collapse
• flush
• puncture
• exhaust
• void
• bleed
• draw (off)
• vacate
• purge
• siphon
• draft
• split
• deplete
• cut
• pierce
• drill
• milk
• squeeze
• vacuate
• punch
• bore
• penetrate
• perforate
• shrink
• effuse
• break
• decant
• poke
• hole
• hollow
• prick
• rupture
• compact
• excavate
• broach
• slash
• gouge
• rend
• narrow (down)
• constrict
• condense
• burrow (into)
• slit
• prickle
• notch
• riddle
• contract
• groove
• capsule
• capsulize
• telescope
• gash
• constringe

Dissimilar Words

• fill
• inflate
• swell
• dilate
• patch
• blow up
• seal
• distend
• plug

3

as in to reduce

to make or become lower in amount or value

The excess supply deflated prices.

The company's stock has deflated.

Related Words

• reduce
• decline
• plunge
• decrease
• fall
• dip
• drop
• tumble
• plummet
• diminish
• sink
• devalue
• depress
• lower
• descend
• retreat
• dive
• attenuate
• devaluate
• crash
• skid
• subside
• cheapen
• depreciate
• die (down)
• downgrade
• write down
• crater
• lessen
• droop
• write off
• dwindle
• abate
• mark down
• nose-dive
• moderate
• recede
• wane
• taper off
• ebb
• break
• debase
• de-escalate
• let up
• underestimate
• undervalue
• underrate
• underprice
• demonetize

Dissimilar Words

• increase
• build
• grow
• expand
• swell
• intensify
• accumulate
• escalate
• enlarge
• rise
• pick up
• arise
• lift
• balloon
• mount
• soar
• ascend
• enhance
• snowball
• wax
• burgeon
• appreciate
• mushroom
• upgrade
• spike
• up
• mark up

4

as in to undermine

to cause to lose force or effectiveness

Her cutting remark deflated his ego.

The lawsuit deflated their hopes for a quick resolution.

Related Words

• undermine
• weaken
• weigh
• frustrate
• discourage
• dampen
• debilitate
• intimidate
• deaden
• scare
• depress
• enfeeble
• browbeat
• daunt
• throw cold water on
• damp
• demoralize
• dishearten
• chill
• frighten
• dispirit
• try
• cow
• unnerve
• afflict
• distress
• worry
• bully
• trouble
• dismay
• sadden
• unman
• bother
• vex
• horrify
• irk

Dissimilar Words

• reinforce
• enforce
• strengthen
• encourage
• fortify
• nerve
• steel
• stimulate
• enliven
• animate
• assure
• lift
• cheer
• provoke
• embolden
• inspire
• hearten
• reassure
• excite
• invigorate
• stir
• boost
• energize
• quicken
• rally
• buoy (up)
• galvanize
• gladden

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

Recent Examples of deflate

The novel’s climax—a sequence defined by reality-shattering magical spectacle—is narrated by one character to another over FaceTime, a dreadful decision that deflates the entire story. — Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 20 July 2026

Instead, look for signs the succulent is thirsty, like leaves that appear deflated or slightly wrinkled. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 19 July 2026

There are several other, safer ways law enforcement can prevent a vehicle from fleeing besides physically blocking its path, such as using spike strips and other tools that can deflate tires, the former chief said. — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 18 July 2026

Nothing makes this part of the chase memorable or important enough to merit a flash-forward, which turns it into a deflating blunder in a series that can’t afford to slow down. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 15 July 2026