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 During the pursuit, Simoncic exited his vehicle to stage stop sticks, in an attempt to safely puncture and deflate the tires on the fleeing vehicle, police said. Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025 Mini stability trainers are also great for exercisers on the go—when deflated, the Pods should fit easily into your gym bag, duffel, or carry-on. Sara Coughlin, SELF, 25 Aug. 2025 The sign flap deflated Spanberger’s previously careful approach to the schools’ policies. David Weigel, semafor.com, 25 Aug. 2025 But the delay last week was particularly deflating not just for the musicians but for everyone on the plane. Becky Bohrer, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • The marathon meeting evoked memories of a past era of contentious county budgets in the wake of the 2008 housing crash, when collapsed real estate values caused a severe revenue crunch for Miami-Dade.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
  • But there have still been high-profile rail bridge collapses like the one in Montana two years ago that sent a train hauling petroleum products into the Yellowstone River, sending tar balls downstream that had to be cleaned up.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Hold the toaster oven over the trash and brush or empty out crumbs.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The net is emptied net back into the water, minus the errant fishing lure which is tossed into a bucket among other trash collected for disposal.
    Wesley Bruer, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Made with prebiotic oat to soothe irritation and support the skin barrier, the gentle cream also has feverfew extract, which is packed with antioxidants that reduce redness and further calm irritation.
    Jenny Berg, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Funding used in high school for more than 29 credit hours will reduce scholarship eligibility after high school by one year, and more than 59 credit hours will reduce eligibility by two years.
    Edward McKinnon, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The problem comes when ideological casting choices begin to undermine the narrative, contravening Grisham’s famously effective structure and pacing.
    Graham Hillard, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Ten Hag’s first season at United yielded silverware and a third-place league finish, but also had bouts of concerning away form, with tactical weaknesses that would eventually spread and critically undermine his plans for the future.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • As competition intensifies and timelines compress, fashion players can no longer rely on legacy ways of working.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Circana’s Liquid Mix compresses that cycle to minutes, vastly improving how brands can respond to market signals.
    Kiri Masters, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The cool-season annual needs full sun and well-draining soil to grow, and prefers mild temperatures.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Fraudulent pet listings are leaving victims emotionally devastated and financially drained, Dennis Horton, senior director of the Rockford Regional Office, said in the announcement.
    Abreanna Blose, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Burberry's share price has fallen sharply over recent years, declining almost 80% from April 2023 to September 2024, as waning sales and a slew of management changes exacerbated a wider luxury downturn.
    Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Morris and his attorneys declined comment.
    Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Israeli strikes severely weakened Hezbollah – culminating in the assassination of its revered leader, Hassan Nasrallah – and significantly curtailed the group’s domestic clout.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Symptoms related to Listeria monocytogenes Listeria is especially harmful to people whose immune system is weakened or not fully developed but can also impact healthy individuals.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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