inflated; inflating
1
: to swell or distend with air or gas
2
: to puff up : elate
inflate one's ego
3
: to expand or increase abnormally or imprudently
: to become inflated
Examples of inflate in a Sentence
We used a pump to inflate the raft.
Economists warn that rapid economic growth could inflate prices.
Increased competition has inflated salaries among professional athletes.
Rapid economic growth may cause prices to inflate.
Recent Examples on the Web
In the new study, the researchers solved this discrepancy by factoring in a quirk of clam behavior: there is evidence that clams might inflate and deflate their mantle throughout the day.
—
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024
Viewers, meanwhile, criticized him for his bad attitude and inflated sense of self-worth.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024
But rising home prices generate bigger mortgages, and spiraling interest rates inflate the monthly payments.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 24 July 2024
The trial revolved around allegations by New York State Attorney General Letitia James that Trump, two of his sons, Weisselberg and others falsely inflated valuations of Trump Organization properties.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for inflate 
Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2024
Viewers, meanwhile, criticized him for his bad attitude and inflated sense of self-worth.
—Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 25 July 2024
But rising home prices generate bigger mortgages, and spiraling interest rates inflate the monthly payments.
—Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 24 July 2024
The trial revolved around allegations by New York State Attorney General Letitia James that Trump, two of his sons, Weisselberg and others falsely inflated valuations of Trump Organization properties.
—Graham Kates, CBS News, 19 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for inflate
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near inflate
Cite this Entry
“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflate. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inflate
verb
in·flate
in-ˈflāt 
inflated; inflating
1
: to swell or fill with air or gas
inflate a balloon
2
: to increase abnormally
inflated prices
inflatable
adjective
-ə-bəl
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