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 While the finest roster in Panthers history ended the season deflated, the team would go on to win the Brit Bowl in 1996. Peter Carline, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 And according to Amazon shoppers, the display is easy to set up and deflate. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025 Currently, the department uses stop sticks, which deflate tries, to stop fleeing vehicles in some circumstances. David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025 Best knows numbers like that can feel deflating, since most filmmakers are neither global speakers nor hot young comedians. Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • Beyond Meat shares have collapsed over the past five years, starting with a 48% plunge in 2021 and plunging further until Roundhill Investments added the stock to its Roundhill Meme Stock ETF (MEME) on Monday.
    Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
  • This experimentation is happening precisely because the old models collapsed.
    David Wingrave, Harpers Magazine, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As annual fees for premium credit cards soar (hello, $795 Chase Sapphire Reserve and $895 Amex Platinum), travelers might wonder if there’s a different way to unlock perks without emptying their wallet.
    Cameron Sperance, Travel + Leisure, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Some residents frantically emptied out their places, not knowing their next move.
    Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As part of a plea agreement, the murder charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter, and the remaining charges were dismissed.
    Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Additional heavy rainfall is possible beyond Saturday; however, uncertainty in Melissa's track and forward speed reduces confidence in exact totals.
    MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Each would face cross-examination and difficult questions posed by skilled litigators attempting to undermine their positions.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Oct. 2025
  • See video … WATCH TULSI GABBARD – Dem Party is undermining the very foundation of America.
    , FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The compact vacuum even blows up air mattresses and compresses vacuum storage bags.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Even when compressed up to 20 times, the accuracy is still about 60%.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Cybersecurity experts are warning that OpenAI’s new browser, ChatGPT Atlas, could be vulnerable to malicious attacks that could turn AI assistants against users, potentially stealing sensitive data or even draining their bank accounts.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Security researchers are now warning Android users to delete a fake VPN and streaming app that can allow criminals to take over your phone and drain your bank account.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Contract options exercised for 4 The club exercised contract options on Stephen Afrifa, Zorhan Bassong, Jansen Miller and John Pulskamp, while declining options for Tim Leibold, Nemanja Radoja, Ryan Schewe, Shelton and Mason Toye.
    Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 23 Oct. 2025
  • However, her cousin the followed up, and the OP wrote back declining the invite.
    Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Losing him for the entire World Series would weaken their already-thin bullpen, and force Roberts to get creative in high-leverage situations after his starting pitcher has been removed.
    Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
  • After accounting for lifestyle variables like exercise, the effects weakened a bit as, for example, more active people tend to spend more time outdoors.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

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