inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed in-ˈflā-təd 

1

: distended with air or gas

2

: expanded to an abnormal or unjustifiable volume or level

inflated prices

3

: elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means

an inflated style of writing

4

: being hollow and enlarged or distended

Synonyms of inflated

• exaggerated

Examples of inflated in a Sentence

a writer with an inflated reputation

an inflated style of writing

She objects to the inflated salaries that many professional athletes now receive.

Recent Examples on the Web

The fears of inflated seat prices and travel restrictions never negatively manifested in a noticeable way at Levi’s. — Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2026

The collaboration also includes a limited run of Topps trading cards that will sport his Companion character — a Mickey Mouse-style figure with Xs for eyes and inflated skull-and-crossbones features. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 8 July 2026

In the Siberian city of Irkutsk, police fined four people on Monday, accusing them of reselling gas on the black market at inflated prices, according to the region’s Interior Ministry. — Clare Sebastian, CNN Money, 6 July 2026

States ignored national obligations, inflated currencies, shirked debts, erected trade barriers and destabilized commerce. — Max Taves, Mercury News, 3 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for inflated

• abated
• ablated
• awaited
• belated
• berated
• castrated
• chelated
• citrated
• collated
• conflated
• created
• curated

Kids Definition

inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed

in-ˈflāt-əd

: hollow and stretched or swelled

inflated pods of a plant