1
as in collapsing
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 emptying
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 declining
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 undermining
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of deflating
For those who are, the effect is more like sitting on a slowly deflating whoopee cushion soaked in arterial spray.
—
Katie Rife, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
The ingredient, a vasoconstrictor, tightens blood vessels beneath the eyes—in turn, deflating puffiness and tightening skin’s appearance.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026
As the Dodge attempted to enter the highway, officers deployed stop sticks, deflating two of the vehicle’s tires.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
The Pico Pump is a teeny tiny air pump for inflating everything from sleeping pads to minnow boats – and deflating them in a flash too.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Analysts said that the Folgers owner is a winner from deflating coffee prices and that activist Elliott's stake in the company may lead to positive portfolio changes.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
To run it back at running back remains deflating.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
And amid the upheaval of the roster at the trade deadline, the Bulls have completely lost their ability to beat teams out of the break, resulting in a recurring — and deflating — pattern of competing decently in the first half, then falling apart after halftime.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The criminal mania of cult leader and prolific psychedelic user Charles Manson, who murdered seven people in 1969, is often cited by researchers as an example of the worst possible outcome of psychedelic use untempered by an ego-deflating ritual process.
—Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
Katie Rife, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026
The ingredient, a vasoconstrictor, tightens blood vessels beneath the eyes—in turn, deflating puffiness and tightening skin’s appearance.
—Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 14 Mar. 2026
As the Dodge attempted to enter the highway, officers deployed stop sticks, deflating two of the vehicle’s tires.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026
The Pico Pump is a teeny tiny air pump for inflating everything from sleeping pads to minnow boats – and deflating them in a flash too.
—New Atlas, 13 Mar. 2026
Analysts said that the Folgers owner is a winner from deflating coffee prices and that activist Elliott's stake in the company may lead to positive portfolio changes.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 11 Mar. 2026
To run it back at running back remains deflating.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 11 Mar. 2026
And amid the upheaval of the roster at the trade deadline, the Bulls have completely lost their ability to beat teams out of the break, resulting in a recurring — and deflating — pattern of competing decently in the first half, then falling apart after halftime.
—Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026
The criminal mania of cult leader and prolific psychedelic user Charles Manson, who murdered seven people in 1969, is often cited by researchers as an example of the worst possible outcome of psychedelic use untempered by an ego-deflating ritual process.
—Erica Rex, STAT, 19 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflating
Verb
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The team had the best record in the major leagues as recently as June 13 of last season before collapsing and missing the postseason — a collapse that still stings for fans.—
Ryan Brennan,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
27 Mar. 2026
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The beach patrol headquarters is in danger of collapsing and will be demolished this weekend.—
Ryan Hughes,
CBS News,
27 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The Shark Stratos is designed for true hands free maintenance, featuring a NeverTouch Base that handles everything from emptying the dustbin to washing and drying the mop pads.—
Juhi Wadia,
PC Magazine,
25 Mar. 2026
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Now the emptying shopping center could be where the Dallas Stars hockey team find their new home, and some nearby residents have greeted the idea with both glee and gloom.—
Lilly Kersh,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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While the data show overall birth outcomes improving — declining rates of prematurity, low birth weight, and infant mortality — disparities are still prevalent, particularly for Black women.—
Briah Lumpkins,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Mar. 2026
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The grand jury had the options of handing up an indictment, declining to indict and issuing a report known as a presentment.—
Alexandra Glorioso,
Miami Herald,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That’s a barrier, undermining the very mission of the Endowment, which in recent years has made significant investments to expand access to high-quality care for Nutmeg State families of diverse backgrounds.—
Josette Walters,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
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Accordingly, the warring factions have competed to depict themselves as the true embodiment of MAGA and paint their rivals as undermining Trump or deviating from his precepts.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Finally, the riders entered a canopy of oaks dripping Spanish moss that marked the park entrance.—
Molly Hennessy-Fiske,
Washington Post,
19 Mar. 2026
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With the games dripping out, one at a time, the entire planet is focused on a single match while it is being played, all the eyes of the world resting on twenty-two elite athletes acting out a sporting telenovela, living making decisions without a script, under conditions of hysterical pressure.—
Jeffrey Pierre,
NPR,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Last weekend, countless spring breakers arrived to partake in the unsanctioned event, draining resources and putting strain on local authorities attempting to maintain order.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
20 Mar. 2026
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One out of the two washing sinks were draining slowly in the women’s restroom.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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By influencing two metabolic pathways, both medications may similarly improve blood sugar control while also reducing appetite.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
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Understanding the gravity of a red flag warning and adhering to these precautions is pivotal in reducing the risk of wildfires during these hazardous conditions.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Seniors are the most reliable midterm voters in the country, and with the 2026 elections approaching and affordability already their top concern, weakening this program is a risk Republicans should not be taking.—
Joe Hardy,
Boston Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
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However, rejecting the goal of citizenship verification altogether risks weakening public confidence in the system.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflating. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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