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Definitions

deflate

[dih-fleyt] / dɪˈfleɪt /
VERB
reduce or cause to contract
Synonyms
STRONGEST
depress diminish exhaust
STRONG
collapse decrease depreciate devalue empty flatten puncture shrink squash void
Antonyms
STRONGEST
increase
STRONG
develop enlarge expand grow raise
WEAK
blow up boost build up inflate
VERB
humiliate
Synonyms
STRONGEST
disconcert mortify
STRONG
chasten dash debunk dispirit humble
WEAK
cut down to size kick in the teeth knock down let down easy let wind out of sails puncture balloon put down shoot down take down
Antonyms
STRONG
aid assist encourage help
WEAK
blow up boost build up expand inflate

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was reminiscent of Roger Federer at his best, able to relieve pressure and deflate opponents by serving his way out of trouble.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

The longer it takes for supply to return, the longer it will take oil prices to deflate from current levels.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

“The great hurt and fear for folks that steward the farmworker movement now is that this news will deflate the struggle that is so essential and is so hard,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2026

“Outside of earnings, one thing that would deflate the equal-weight from outperforming, would be the overall macro liquidity landscape,” he said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 19, 2026

But it stopped after just one ring, and she seemed to deflate.

From "Kira-Kira" by Cynthia Kadohata

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.