inflation

noun

in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
Definition of inflationnext
as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case the personal essay accompanying his college application was devoid of the inflation and self-aggrandizement that all too often is found in such writings

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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 inflation BofA recently predicted the Fed has now run out of patience and will hike rates three times this year to finally rein in inflation. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 5 July 2026 Allianz’s market value has risen 150% in the past four years to $180 billion, despite the pressures of inflation and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 3 July 2026 The annual limit is $5,000 per child from all non-government sources combined, with inflation adjustments expected after 2027. — Medora Lee, USA Today, 3 July 2026 Its collapse helped convince voters who wanted solutions to the insecurity created by inflation and the long-simmering crisis of inequality that Democrats lacked the necessary fighting spirit. — Bryce Covert, The New York Review of Books, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflation
  1. affectation
  2. arrogance
  3. pretense
  4. pretension
  5. vanity
Noun
  • In the wrong hands, those points of reference could land like an affectation, but instead, the band’s embrace of them feels genuine.
    — Nick Laskin, Pitchfork, 20 May 2026
  • The 33-year-old Indianapolis native can trace its origins to a natural inclination toward performing and a lifelong admiration of Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric, but there's no step-by-step guide on how Sullivan mastered the affectation.
    — Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 4 May 2026
Definition of affectation
Noun
  • Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • Impartial, fact-finding and without pretension, Burns turns his camera to our history in a sober-but-not-boring manner.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • To adore the literary greats but reject any modicum of pretension?
    — Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of pretension
Noun
  • The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.
    — Adam Williams July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of vanity

Browse Nearby Words

inflating
inflation
inflect
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Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Nglish: Translation of inflation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflation

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