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 McLaughlin, who last year led a Penske sweep of the front row in qualifying, was clearly deflated after he was released from the medical center. Jenna Fryer, Chicago Tribune, 18 May 2025 Jason Lipshutz: Releasing a follow-up single with Jelly Roll was a smart move by Warren, who can now promote both a pop and country track to different audiences without deflating either of their performances. Katie Atkinson, Billboard, 3 June 2025 Paul Taylor Aston Villa Having been well within the hunting pack, last week felt extremely deflating to Villa’s Champions League aspirations. Sam Lee, New York Times, 1 May 2025 When deflated and rolled up, the Atmos forms a cylinder measuring 7.75 inches long by 4.5 inches wide (197 by 114 mm). New Atlas, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • Without a proper response from the immune system, even the most efficient organs won’t prevent the body from collapsing.
    Marcin Nowak, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • But the game in New Orleans collapsed on them early, as the Chiefs fell behind 24-0 by halftime.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • That can mean difficulty starting to pee, a weak stream, trouble fully emptying the bladder, or sometimes, an inability to pee at all.
    Angela Haupt, Time, 27 June 2025
  • That move emptied the cupboard, burning another three second-round picks.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Only a system designed with these principles can truly protect your organization, reduce losses and maintain trust with your honest customers.
    Marcin Nowak, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Inflation data of late has shown little pass-through so far as companies burn off inventory accumulated in the run-up to the tariff announcement, and amid concerns that consumer demand is slowing and reducing pricing power.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • In fact, May data shows rents in Connecticut have now fallen for the first time in years, undermining the idea that these tools are the problem.
    Jim Amann, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2025
  • History suggests the move may prove counterproductive, undermining concrete American interests in the name of rushing into a speculative new extractive frontier.
    Time, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, gross margins are projected to compress by 4 to 5 percentage points due to aggressive inventory clearance strategies.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • The lettuce is tightly compressed, and larger ingredients at the bottom don’t really move much with a simple shake.
    Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Why Culture Matters Toxic culture can drain performance, producing distrust, low creativity and high turnover.
    Chris Williams, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • But rather than engage in real fiscal discipline or rank order the needs of our communities, this budget leans on gimmicks — draining our Rainy Day Fund, borrowing billions from special funds, and relying on tax hikes that disproportionately harm small businesses and middle-class families.
    Diane Dixon, Oc Register, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Reached over the phone, Barry Caro, president of Bartholomew Communications and Strategies, declined to comment.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 18 June 2025
  • Iran's missile launches have declined, though officials have not explained.
    Amanda Castro Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Abandoning recognition can erode motivation, diminish engagement and make employees feel invisible, weakening the cultural fabric and undermining long-term resilience.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • But in an unexpected ruling in 2023, the Supreme Court declined an invitation to weaken Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
    June 27, CBS News, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deflate

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