Synonyms of deflate

deflate

verb

1

as in to collapse

to become smaller in size or volume due to loss of contents

We kept her birthday decorations up until the balloons started deflating.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• collapse
• compress
• flatten
• drip
• shrink
• leak
• shrivel
• condense
• constrict
• dry up
• contract
• decrease
• wilt
• wither
• seep
• diminish
• withdraw
• mummify
• trickle
• ooze
• dwindle
• lessen
• recede
• wizen
• retreat
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inflate
• bulk
• increase
• dilate
• blow up
• expand
• swell
• balloon
• puff (up)
• grow
• distend
• accumulate
• snowball
• mushroom

2

as in to empty

to make smaller in size or volume by removing the contents

Please deflate the air mattress and fold it up before you leave.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• empty
• drain
• evacuate
• pump
• clear
• clean
• flatten
• suck
• compress
• tap
• collapse
• flush
• puncture
• exhaust
• void
• bleed
• draw (off)
• vacate
• purge
• split
• siphon
• draft
• deplete
• cut
• pierce
• drill
• squeeze
• milk
• vacuate
• punch
• bore
• syphon
• penetrate
• perforate
• shrink
• break
• effuse
• decant
• poke
• hole
• hollow
• prick
• rupture
• compact
• excavate
• broach
• slash
• riddle
• gouge
• rend
• narrow (down)
• constrict
• condense
• burrow (into)
• slit
• prickle
• notch
• contract
• groove
• capsule
• capsulize
• telescope
• gash
• constringe

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fill
• inflate
• swell
• dilate
• patch
• blow up
• seal
• distend
• plug

3

as in to reduce

to make or become lower in amount or value

The excess supply deflated prices.

The company's stock has deflated.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• decline
• plunge
• decrease
• fall
• dip
• drop
• tumble
• plummet
• diminish
• sink
• devalue
• depress
• lower
• descend
• retreat
• dive
• attenuate
• devaluate
• crash
• skid
• subside
• cheapen
• depreciate
• die (down)
• downgrade
• write down
• crater
• lessen
• droop
• write off
• dwindle
• abate
• mark down
• nose-dive
• moderate
• recede
• wane
• taper off
• ebb
• break
• debase
• de-escalate
• let up
• underestimate
• undervalue
• underrate
• underprice
• demonetize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• build
• grow
• expand
• swell
• intensify
• accumulate
• escalate
• enlarge
• balloon
• rise
• pick up
• snowball
• lift
• arise
• wax
• mushroom
• soar
• mount
• ascend
• burgeon
• spike
• enhance
• bourgeon
• appreciate
• up
• upgrade
• mark up

4

as in to undermine

to cause to lose force or effectiveness

Her cutting remark deflated his ego.

The lawsuit deflated their hopes for a quick resolution.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• undermine
• weaken
• weigh
• frustrate
• discourage
• dampen
• debilitate
• intimidate
• deaden
• scare
• depress
• enfeeble
• browbeat
• daunt
• throw cold water on
• damp
• demoralize
• dishearten
• chill
• frighten
• dispirit
• try
• cow
• unnerve
• afflict
• distress
• worry
• bully
• trouble
• dismay
• sadden
• unman
• bother
• vex
• horrify
• irk

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• reinforce
• enforce
• strengthen
• encourage
• fortify
• nerve
• steel
• stimulate
• enliven
• reenforce
• animate
• assure
• lift
• cheer
• provoke
• embolden
• inspire
• reassure
• hearten
• excite
• invigorate
• stir
• boost
• energize
• quicken
• rally
• buoy (up)
• galvanize
• gladden

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

Recent Examples of deflate

McIlroy hit one of the worst chip shots in his career into the water at 13, and the air deflated after his second double of the day, but McIlroy kept trucking. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025

The Thunder blitzed the Lakers in the final six minutes, pulling away for what ended up looking like an easy win, the atmosphere clearly deflated from Los Angeles’ perspective. —Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2025

Your Next Read Pistons remain positive despite Game 3 loss to Knicks: ‘We won’t be deflated’ Lions 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Most needs were met, but was one edge rusher enough? —Hunter Patterson, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025

There were just under three minutes left in the opening quarter of Game 1 at Madison Square Garden — a game the Knicks ultimately won, 123-112, behind a deflating 21-0 fourth-quarter run — and the Pistons were running a familiar play out of a sideline out-of-bounds. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 20 Apr. 2025