deflate

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word deflate different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of deflate are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might compress be a better fit than deflate?

The words compress and deflate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is it sensible to use condense instead of deflate?

While in some cases nearly identical to deflate, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

In what contexts can constrict take the place of deflate?

In some situations, the words constrict and deflate are roughly equivalent. However, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When is contract a more appropriate choice than deflate?

The meanings of contract and deflate largely overlap; however, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When would shrink be a good substitute for deflate?

The words shrink and deflate can be used in similar contexts, but shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deflate In this season of abnormal normality, Newcastle United have repeatedly scratched lines through their history, winning at venues where winning has felt impossible, but the Etihad Stadium on Saturday brought a deflating return to tradition. George Caulkin, The Athletic, 15 Feb. 2025 Despite the quick turnaround after a deflating loss to the short-handed Mavericks, the Warriors had all their healthy players available. Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2025 Its dialogue and writing feel more thoughtful and immediately impactful, never dancing around hard topics or deflating its intent by being too slight. Hayes Madsen, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025 Officers called for assistance from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), who used spike strips to deflate the vehicle's tires. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate
Verb
  • More often, husbands or wives or children collapse in tears when the cremains are found.
    David Wharton, Los Angeles Times, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Scanner reports also said a part of a warehouse structure collapsed in the 2500 block of Texas 121 in Lewisville, and roof damage was reported at a warehouse in the 900 block of South Airport Drive in McKinney.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Submerge containers for 10 minutes, then remove them and empty the tub.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
  • The standard of care for miscarrying patients in the second trimester is to offer to empty the uterus, according to leading medical organizations, which can lower the risk of contracting an infection and developing sepsis.
    Lizzie Presser, ProPublica, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The venue renovations have significantly increased hospitality and premium offerings with new pubs, clubs, restaurants and seating, while reducing the number of suites from 70 to 40.
    Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Or has your life together reduced him to, as in your letter, a list of maddening attributes?
    James Parker, The Atlantic, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • There are eight issues that have begun to undermine the stock market's shaky support.
    John S. Tobey, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
  • His brave stand, like the legendary Dutch hero whose finger in the dike blocked a flood, still holds back the efforts of Putin, Xi Jinping, and their allies to undermine democracy — in the Baltics, Poland, Western Europe, and Taiwan, and in Trump’s United States.
    Trudy Rubin, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In court, his lawyers argued that officers compressed his chest with their body weight, leading him to asphyxiate.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Short bursts around the black hole are likely caused by disturbances in the disk—compressing plasma to produce a temporary flash of radiation.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Fudd then drained her first 3-pointer after an 0-for-2 start, and Strong followed her up with four straight points off another pair of Marquette turnovers.
    Emily Adams, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025
  • That fall and winter, constant power outages and air-raid alerts left them drained and on edge.
    Michael Holtz, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • But several experts tell CNN that legal immigration is expected to decline throughout Trump’s second term as his administration fosters a hostile environment for immigrants through its policies and messaging, which could lead to fewer available workers across industries and higher inflation.
    Bryan Mena, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Daily meme coin launches peaked shortly after the $trump coin debut but have declined sharply.
    Billy Bambrough, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In the fourth quarter of 2024, WK Kellogg reported net sales of $640 million, a decrease of 1.7% compared to $651 million in the same period in 2023, impacted by a 5.6% volume decline and a 40 basis point headwind from the weakening Canadian dollar.
    Joe Cornell, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But the Trump administration's new cuts further weaken a banking watchdog that has been sounding the alarm for years about its decreasing ability to prevent future banking crises.
    Maria Aspan, NPR, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deflate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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