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 As the visiting Minnesota Lynx celebrated a comeback victory for the ages to advance to the playoff semifinals, the Italian sharpshooter lay on the ground with her hands over her head – deflated, defeated and in shock that the Valkyries’ season ended right then and there. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2025 Simoncic was one of two officers deploying tire-deflating devices in the 7200 block of State Avenue when Mitchell swerved, intentionally striking Simoncic, police Chief Karl Oakman previously told reporters. Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025 Anyone else feeling seriously deflated by this outcome? Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Authorities claim Abraham Shafi, once CEO of startup IRL, greatly deflated the amount the company was spending on marketing and PR. Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • Only the structures that were already gravitationally bound together at that moment, not including the structures that were still collapsing and contracting on their way to becoming gravitationally bound, will actually be able to hold together.
    Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Confidence notably collapsed during the divisive 2016 presidential campaign, the polling service says, with the highest reading in the past decade being 45% in 2018.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Both of those boxes were emptied and gone, which led Sainz to believe the intruders likely shoved all of the guinea pigs into the two boxes.
    Alexandra Hardle, AZCentral.com, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Or, keep scrolling to find other popular self-emptying robot vacuums on sale.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The journalists' arrests sparked outrage among free press advocates, who say the prosecutions undermine First Amendment freedoms and have called for prosecutors to drop the misdemeanor charges.
    Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • But solar advocates pushed back, warning that the changes would lengthen payback periods, discourage solar investment and undermine clean energy goals adopted by cities like Boise.
    Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When that happens, the refrigerant evaporates and gets compressed at a very high pressure–typically several hundred pounds per square inch.
    Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Still, crossing 200% is unusual and underscores future returns may be lower if multiples compress or growth cools, echoing Buffett’s long-standing preference for value and margin of safety.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hand sinks in kitchen not draining properly.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Advertisement Between 1980 and 1988, as the war with Iraq drained the national budget, only a handful of dams were under construction.
    Nik Kowsar, Time, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • And some items, though limited, have seen prices decline, including Graeter’s Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip ice cream, Montgomery Inn’s full rack of ribs, Pringles potato chips and Red and Blue Bicycle Playing cards (though a standard deck has risen 11% in line with the overall index.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Netflix has declined to comment on Musk’s campaign.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • For investors, even opposition threats of repeal weaken confidence by raising doubts about long-term policy stability.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • While his core supporters remain loyal, sustained disapproval among the broader public could weaken his leverage in negotiations with Congress and erode confidence in his leadership.
    Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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