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
Then Butker missed the extra point — a deflating moment and a blow to what had been growing momentum.
—
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
The cost of homes has been slowing deflating after the COVID-19 pandemic drove rates sky high.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025
Scientists can estimate a few days or even a week ahead of time when lava is likely to emerge with the help of sensors around the volcano that detect earthquakes and minuscule changes in the angle of the ground, which indicate when magma is inflating or deflating.
—CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
In fact, four of the top five key commodities which tend to be leading indicators for grocery inflation, have been disinflating/deflating in price.
—John Choong, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Weissert then allowed another double, this one to veteran Andrew McCutcheon, scoring Pham giving Pittsburgh the lead -- and deflating the sellout Fenway crowd of 36,344 which to that point had been at a fever pitch.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Sometimes the image or analogy that occurred to me was of sitting under a deflating parachute in gym class.
—Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
But the delay last week was particularly deflating not just for the musicians but for everyone on the plane.
—Becky Bohrer, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
Around the same time, investor frenzy surrounding agricultural technology was deflating.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
The cost of homes has been slowing deflating after the COVID-19 pandemic drove rates sky high.
—Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 2 Sep. 2025
Scientists can estimate a few days or even a week ahead of time when lava is likely to emerge with the help of sensors around the volcano that detect earthquakes and minuscule changes in the angle of the ground, which indicate when magma is inflating or deflating.
—CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025
In fact, four of the top five key commodities which tend to be leading indicators for grocery inflation, have been disinflating/deflating in price.
—John Choong, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2025
Weissert then allowed another double, this one to veteran Andrew McCutcheon, scoring Pham giving Pittsburgh the lead -- and deflating the sellout Fenway crowd of 36,344 which to that point had been at a fever pitch.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Sometimes the image or analogy that occurred to me was of sitting under a deflating parachute in gym class.
—Michael Robbins, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
But the delay last week was particularly deflating not just for the musicians but for everyone on the plane.
—Becky Bohrer, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2025
Around the same time, investor frenzy surrounding agricultural technology was deflating.
—Tina Li, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflating
Verb
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The carrier warned that incorrect declarations can result in cargo shifting or collapsing, alongside other accidents like chemical reactions, fires or even explosions.—
Glenn Taylor,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Sep. 2025
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Some were collapsing or fire-damaged, others left vacant after the house next door burned.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Masters says that taking care of small chores, such as taking out the trash, loading the dishwasher, and emptying the fridge of your own food, shows respect for the host, their belongings, and their home.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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The new medication from Tufts targets a combination of four hormones — GLP-1, GIP, glucagon (the counterpart to insulin), and peptide YY, which reduces hunger, slows stomach emptying and may promote fat-burning.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The negativity around Wilson wasn’t only about his declining physical skills.—
Ian O'Connor,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
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Still, there is some evidence click-throughs per search are declining.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Caracas insists the buildup is part of a broader campaign directed at undermining President Nicolás Maduro’s government.—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
15 Sep. 2025
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By targeting us – the creators who give voice to diverse narratives and foster dialogue – these signatories are undermining their own cause and attempting to silence us.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
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His friendships with musicians gave him direct access to the aesthetic of rock stars, from ripped denim to leather jackets dripping with attitude.—
Doug Melville,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
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The first singles from Carey’s 16th album are dripping with braggadocio with her inimitable voice wafting like smoke.—
Matthew Schnipper,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The bowls have wavy, scalloped edges that give it an artisanal look as well as holds and cutouts for draining any lingering water.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
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Use fertile, moist, slightly acidic soil that’s well-draining, and amend it with compost or other organic matter.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The confirmation came just two days before the Fed is expected to vote on reducing its key interest rate.—
Adeola Adeosun
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 Sep. 2025
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Every action counts, whether reducing HFCs, investing in sustainable cooling, or holding governments accountable for climate commitments.—
Dianne Plummer,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Then the hurricane continued on a more northward path around the islands and finally began weakening after powerful 145 mph winds tapered off.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
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Total job growth was revised lower by the largest amount in history, The revisions erased 911 thousand jobs over the full year period, adding to mounting concerns of a weakening labor market and fueling questions as to the reliability of monthly data being used to gauge employment.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflating. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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