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
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
-
Reservoirs supplying Tehran and other urban centers have dropped to critically low levels, while agricultural production in the nation’s most fertile regions is collapsing, threatening food security and rural livelihoods.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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Dorzon had been shot 11 times and his girlfriend had also been hit, collapsing on the front lawn.—
Nicole Acosta,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The compact base station only needs emptying about once every 75 days.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
4 Nov. 2025
-
At this price point, mopping capabilities, as well as self-cleaning, and self-emptying features should be included.—
Terri Williams,
Architectural Digest,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Autophagy means detecting and removing cells that are declining in functional capacity and replacing them with new cells.—
Bryant Stamford,
Louisville Courier Journal,
6 Nov. 2025
-
However, Gallup's polling also shows declining support among Republicans.—
Jason Lemon,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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In handing down the sentence, Montenegro said Bonillo understood the scope of his misdeeds, abused his position of trust and used that position to enrich himself while undermining CBP’s main goal.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
-
In late September, a wave carrying debris from a nearby home that had already collapsed slammed into theirs, undermining its foundation.—
Samantha Delouya,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Following their usual curtain call, Reeves, 61, and Winter, 60, slipped backstage, only to return moments later wearing nothing but their underwear and dripping in fake blood.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
3 Nov. 2025
-
Amelia Gray was, fittingly, dripping in crystal for the Swarovski Masters of Light celebration in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.—
Kelsey Stewart,
Footwear News,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Extremely draining and hard day, hard for everyone involved, hard for everyone who loved Marshawn.—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
11 Nov. 2025
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Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter for best results.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Under the new terms of the license, Chevron was authorized to pay fees and royalties to Venezuela in oil but not in cash, effectively reducing Chevron’s crude exports from the country by half, according to Reuters.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
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The initiative’s foundation addresses the problem of inconsistent and burdensome reporting by engaging the industry to define an optional (and non-exhaustive) questionnaire aimed at strengthening data quality and consistency while significantly reducing the administrative burden on suppliers.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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That goes even further than DESI's hints at weakening dark energy.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The central bank cut its benchmark rate for the second time this year at its most recent meeting, in part to help bolster the economy amid a weakening job market.—
Fortune,
Fortune,
5 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Deflating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflating. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.
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