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
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

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.
The projections for a hike now appear to be a response to inflation that has surged since the start of the Iran war and three months of solid job growth. Rachel Barber, USA Today, 21 June 2026 More impressively, summer ticket sales are nearly equal to the 2019 summer at the same point, not accounting for inflation. ABC News, 21 June 2026 California’s already-high electricity rates have increased far faster than inflation, threaten progress on climate change and pose painful affordability burdens on residents and businesses, the Berkeley report said. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 21 June 2026 And traders have consistently anticipated key economic data points, like the rate of US inflation and interest rate decisions from the Federal Reserve. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 21 June 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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

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