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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Recent Examples of deflating
The Las Vegas Raiders are making changes to their coaching staff after a deflating 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on Thursday.
—
Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Such developments can be deflating.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The Giants are coming off a deflating loss to the Denver Broncos, and are 1-2 in their last three outings.
—Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
So why does the sight of her, bottle-blonde and clad in a green dress that screams vintage Dream Factory glitz, still give off such deflating Jenny-from-the-block vibes?
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
This is a bit deflating after where things stood in June.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 8 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
Try to get underneath dough to pick portions up without deflating them.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025
Simoncic was one of two officers deploying tire-deflating devices in the 7200 block of State Avenue when Mitchell swerved, intentionally striking Simoncic, police Chief Karl Oakman previously told reporters.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Such developments can be deflating.
—Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
The Giants are coming off a deflating loss to the Denver Broncos, and are 1-2 in their last three outings.
—Josh Buckhalter, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
So why does the sight of her, bottle-blonde and clad in a green dress that screams vintage Dream Factory glitz, still give off such deflating Jenny-from-the-block vibes?
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 11 Oct. 2025
This is a bit deflating after where things stood in June.
—John Hollinger, New York Times, 8 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
Try to get underneath dough to pick portions up without deflating them.
—Erin Hooker, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2025
Simoncic was one of two officers deploying tire-deflating devices in the 7200 block of State Avenue when Mitchell swerved, intentionally striking Simoncic, police Chief Karl Oakman previously told reporters.
—Caroline Zimmerman, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflating
Verb
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The soil is collapsing, leaving something resembling large puddles among the freshwater marshes.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
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At the same time, a currency collapsing under international sanctions, water shortages and recurring power outages have sharpened a sense of crisis across the country.—
Roxana Saberi,
Time,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Your can reuse up to 10 times before emptying and refilling the socks with fresh litter.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
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Its first season’s defining set piece plunged the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center’s emergency department into the aftermath of a mass shooting, an act of narrative escalation that felt like the writers’ room emptying its reserves.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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According to the company, the declining profits stemmed from low drug reimbursement rates and slow retail sales.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
9 Jan. 2026
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After all, there are signs that the economy is improving (unemployment and inflation are declining), but after the economic struggles of recent years, and with household debt still high, an additional financing source won't hurt, either.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Defense attorney Leah Gillis countered that sequestering jurors would chill candid discussion and signal that open conversations about bias are not tolerated, undermining the goal of an impartial jury.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
6 Jan. 2026
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Saudi Arabia has publicly accused the United Arab Emirates – a fellow Gulf Arab state and former partner in the Yemen war – of undermining its national security, an unusually blunt charge that exposes a rift long kept behind closed doors.—
Abbas Al Lawati,
CNN Money,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Jessica Chastain wore a custom Cucinelli gown dripping in diamond accents and talked shop with DuVernay.—
Nick Vivarelli,
Variety,
8 Jan. 2026
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However things turn out next month, Bowe’s 38th birthday will coincide with another passage in her life, one dripping with anticipation and, perhaps, a dose of poignancy.—
Steve Buckley,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Indoor poinsettias should be repotted out of poorly draining pots as soon as possible, while outdoor plants should only be transplanted outside when temperatures are above 50°F.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
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Add a base layer of well-draining potting mix to the bottom of the new pot, about a few inches deep.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Once stationary, deactivate all lights except the hazard flashers, engage the emergency brake, and release the brake pedal to ensure your tail lights are not illuminated, reducing the risk of other drivers colliding with your stationary vehicle.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
7 Jan. 2026
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Permeable pavers allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flood risk, while offering an upscale look.—
Angelika Pokovba,
Martha Stewart,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Milk, butter and cheese prices on the wholesale market and at grocery stores have decreased slightly due to oversupply and weakening consumer demand.—
Cheryl V. Jackson,
IndyStar,
9 Jan. 2026
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This suggests consumers enter 2026 with continuing concerns over high prices and weakening labor market conditions.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Deflating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflating. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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