DEFLATE Synonyms: 225 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deflate

verb

Definition of deflate next

as in to collapse

to become smaller in size or volume due to loss of contents We kept her birthday decorations up until the balloons started deflating.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to empty

to make smaller in size or volume by removing the contents Please deflate the air mattress and fold it up before you leave.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to reduce

to make or become lower in amount or value The excess supply deflated prices. The company's stock has deflated.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to undermine

to cause to lose force or effectiveness Her cutting remark deflated his ego. The lawsuit deflated their hopes for a quick resolution.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 My boobs, which weren’t small to begin with, are now several sizes bigger, but also deflated and droopy. —

Meirav Devash, Allure, 17 Jan. 2025 The Heat needed to overcome Monday’s deflating double-overtime defeat and the noise surrounding the Jimmy Butler situation. —

Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025 The Atlanta Falcons season came to a deflating end Sunday after a 44-38 overtime loss to the Carolina Panthers. —

Ross Terrell, Axios, 5 Jan. 2025 Curry, clearly deflated on the sidelines, added another track to his developing album of press conference truths. —

Marcus Thompson Ii, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deflate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deflate

Verb

According to a 2021 Government Accountability Office report, collapsing the D.C. office drove out the agency’s most experienced employees and more than doubled the number of vacancies.

— Frederick Reimers, Outside Online, 27 Jan. 2025
Because several portions of the building had collapsed, firefighters were attempting to subdue the blaze from outside, Baltimore County Fire Department Cpt.

— Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2025