inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed in-ˈflā-təd How to pronounce inflated (audio)
Synonyms of inflatednext
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

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
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But those are the stocks that are most inflated versus their fundamentals. Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026 Aurélien is one of those rare maisons, a sophisticated fashion house that does not rely on spectacle or inflated positioning yet feels immediately relevant. Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2026 That can be partly or entirely traced back to the dominance of a select few superteams, with others wanting to believe that there is some other reason beyond inflated budgets behind the gulf in performance and results. Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026 Rent to pay Wongchingchai started to worry about the longevity of Thai Soon in 2025, when inflated ingredient prices, depressed sales, looming tax fees and lingering COVID-19 woes pushed her to borrow money from her uncle, her mom and her friends. Sarah Blaskovich, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflated

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflated was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Inflated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflated. Accessed 7 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

inflated

adjective
in·​flat·​ed
in-ˈflāt-əd
: hollow and stretched or swelled
inflated pods of a plant

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