inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
Synonyms of inflationnext
1
: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as
a
: distension
b
: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang
c
: empty pretentiousness : pomposity
2
: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services

Synonyms of inflation

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Examples of inflation in a Sentence

the inflation of a balloon The government has been unable to control inflation. The rate of inflation is high.
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.
And as higher fuel costs keep inflation forecasts elevated, markets are pricing in a more hawkish Federal Reserve that’s ready to hike rates further. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The Fed’s inflation target, which has been elusive for years, is 2%. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 11 Oct. 2026 So, certainly inflation was a huge issue in the last administration. — ABC News, 11 Oct. 2026 Trump started an unpopular war with Iran, leading to higher gas prices and related inflation. — Joey Cappelletti, Los Angeles Times, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing inflation

Rhymes for inflation

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Browse Nearby Words

inflatedness
inflation
inflationary
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Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflation

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