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 The comforts of its isolated mountain cabin not only refuse to enhance the bubbling pressures, but in many ways deflate them. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 June 2025 With the Celtics' championship hopes deflated by Tatum's injury, there's a ripe opportunity for a team like the Mavericks to acquire the two-way guard. Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 How to get your kids to read this summer Treating summer reading like homework is a good way to deflate any joy in reading, which is already declining among students. Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 28 June 2025 That is, until a defensive pass interference flag thrown during his winding 37-yard return turned a roaring cheer into a smattering of boos from the home crowd, deflating a comeback. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 18 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • In handcuffs, Miyake collapsed momentarily outside.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • Together, they’re poised to do something far more radical: collapse the traditional SaaS model and usher in a new era of decentralized, intelligent orchestration.
    Deepinder Singh Sethi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Experts recommend emptying and refilling humidifiers every day and washing the unit weekly.
    Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 July 2025
  • Not only is the robot vacuum itself packed with power and features, but the cleaning station takes care of the grunt work for you—like cleaning the mop pads, emptying the dust bin, and refilling the robot with water.
    Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 July 2025
Verb
  • This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • For its part, the EU has signaled a willingness to reduce its 198 billion euros trade surplus in goods with the U.S. by increasing its purchase of U.S. products, notably defense and liquified natural gas (LNG).
    Sam Meredith, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • Media implies entertainment and undermines the responsibility that journalists are supposed to have to report the truth and hold those in power accountable.
    HG Biggs, IndyStar, 11 July 2025
  • And then the leftist media, which is looking to completely undermine our culture and our civilization, and knows that these things turn social norms on their head, pick up these concepts and promote them.
    David Weigel, semafor.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • It's considered lossless to the eye, but the signal is actually compressed at a 3:1 ratio.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 13 July 2025
  • However, extreme space weather events may compress – or in some cases, peel back – the Earth’s magnetic shield.
    Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, The Conversation, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The city avoided building a water filtration plant, which would have lost more than $8 billion, by investing $1.5 billion into forests surrounding New York City's Catskill, Delaware, and Croton reservoirs that drain into their water supply systems.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025
  • Doubling down on something that isn’t aligned with your current strengths can drain leadership focus, capital and momentum.
    James Barlow, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • The important storyline over those weeks is about untapped potential, not declining numbers.
    Lindsey Darvin, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Disney officials declined to comment on individual plans out of respect for all guests.
    Jasmine Mendez Follow, Los Angeles Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is 86 years-old and his political power is weakened following the short war with Israel.
    Jackie Northam, NPR, 9 July 2025
  • The first-quarter boom in U.S. trade is weakening, with merchandise trade somewhat atypically declining for the second straight month, according to my analysis of the the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data.
    Ken Roberts, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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