1
as in collapses
to become smaller in size or volume due to loss of contents
We kept her birthday decorations up until the balloons started deflating.
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2
as in empties
to make smaller in size or volume by removing the contents
Please deflate the air mattress and fold it up before you leave.
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3
as in reduces
to make or become lower in amount or value
The excess supply deflated prices. The company's stock has deflated.
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4
as in undermines
to cause to lose force or effectiveness
Her cutting remark deflated his ego. The lawsuit deflated their hopes for a quick resolution.
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Recent Examples of deflates
But Grande’s conceited blonde bubblehead gains in stature here as Glinda assumes statesmanlike responsibility to spread goodness in Oz, while experiencing crushing romantic disappointment that humbles her and deflates her vanity.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 Nov. 2025
Cade Horton’s late injury scratch deflates some of the vibes, too.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
That determination is sent back to the device, which inflates or deflates balloons with air to assist in raising or lowering the arm.
—Mack Degeurin Aug 21, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 Nov. 2025
Cade Horton’s late injury scratch deflates some of the vibes, too.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
That determination is sent back to the device, which inflates or deflates balloons with air to assist in raising or lowering the arm.
—Mack Degeurin Aug 21, Popular Science, 21 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflates
Verb
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What’s becoming harder to ignore is who appears to be benefiting when oversight collapses.—
Jennifer Nassour,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
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Fernandina gangway collapses during 4th of July fireworks The cause of the deck collapse is under investigation.—
Teresa Stepzinski,
Florida Times-Union,
25 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The bustling evening market, where locals gather for tacos, now empties out early.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
18 Jan. 2026
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As the room empties out, the judge says out loud that there are a number of no-shows that day.—
Ximena Bustillo,
NPR,
22 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Embracing this practice also means having open conversations about long‑term care, powers of attorney, and estate plans before they’re needed; the kind of groundwork that gives families confidence and reduces stress when life inevitably shifts.—
Andrew Rosen,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
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The company claims this reduces model drift, simplifies compliance, and lowers operational overhead.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Scientists have used one of the world’s most powerful supercomputers to find out how microscopic damage to turbine blades undermines jet engine performance, fuel efficiency and durability.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
28 Jan. 2026
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Ismay argued that paying circulators undermines the interests of South Dakotans by allowing out-of-state interests to fund campaigns meant to change the state.—
John Hult,
States Newsroom,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On the morning of January 29, 2024, her family evacuates their homes in Tel al-Hawa in Gaza City.—
E. Alex Jung,
Vulture,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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How far this arctic air plunges south will determine the scope of a winter storm in the making.—
Kathryn Prociv,
NBC news,
19 Jan. 2026
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The teaser plunges viewers into the world of two content creators from contrasting backgrounds who unite for a collaboration fueled by curiosity, social media clout and mutual attraction.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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When CEOs treat financial advice as a substitute for judgment, leadership starts to erode, decisions slow down, and conviction weakens.—
Melissa Houston,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
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Trump’s focus on the Western Hemisphere — as a show of might that weakens China’s geostrategic influence, Nikkei wrote.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This structural and compounding loss heightened by sidelining Black women’s leaders drains institutions of current productivity and future leadership pipelines.—
Jallicia Jolly,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
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Fill the pot with loose, slightly acidic soil that drains quickly.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflates.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflates. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.
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