deflate

1 of 2

verb

de·​flate di-ˈflāt How to pronounce deflate (audio) ˌdē- How to pronounce deflate (audio)
deflated; deflating
Synonyms of deflatenext

transitive verb

1
: to release air or gas from
deflate a tire
2
: to reduce in size, importance, or effectiveness
deflate his ego with cutting remarks
3
: to reduce (a price level) or cause (a volume of credit) to contract

intransitive verb

: to lose firmness through or as if through the escape of contained gas
deflator noun
or less commonly deflater
di-ˈflā-tər How to pronounce deflate (audio)
ˌdē-

deflator

2 of 2

noun

de·​fla·​tor
-tə(r)
plural -s
: one that deflates
specifically : a ratio or percentage by which monetary quantities are reduced to eliminate the effect of higher prices
Choose the Right Synonym for deflate

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of deflate in a Sentence

Verb The birthday balloons deflated after a few days. The harsh criticism left him utterly deflated. an insult that would deflate their egos He has worked to deflate popular myths about investing. Deflated prices mean that farmers are getting less for their products.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Verb
But just as deflating is seeing your hard work go to waste due to bugs dining on your fruits. — Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 24 June 2026 Otherwise, it must be drained, deflated and put away. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 16 June 2026 Once the audience is so onboard with Kyle after this intimate aria, Kaplan deflates that. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 18 June 2026 Having seen his team exit in deflating circumstances, this may yet prove to be Broos’ final act as a professional coach. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 28 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deflate

Word History

Etymology

Verb

de- + -flate (as in inflate)

First Known Use

Verb

1891, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deflate was in 1891

Rhymes for deflate

See All Rhymes for deflate

Browse Nearby Words

deflagration
deflate
deflation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deflate. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deflate

verb
de·​flate di-ˈflāt How to pronounce deflate (audio) ˈdē- How to pronounce deflate (audio)
deflated; deflating
1
: to release air or gas from
2
: to cause to move from a higher to a lower level : reduce from a state of inflation
deflate the national economy
3
: to become deflated : collapse
deflator
-ˈflāt-ər
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on deflate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for deflate

Nglish: Translation of deflate for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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