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

• bloated
• exaggerated
• hyperbolized
• outsize
• outsized
• overblown
• overdrawn
• overweening

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

Having fresh eggs in the backyard avoids the need to pay inflated egg prices. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025

Her ensemble featured a simple yet striking little black dress with a semi-sheer bodice and a voluminous, inflated hemline, perfectly paired with dainty black mules and matching arm cuffs on both wrists. —Mecca Pryor, Essence, 10 June 2025

Big heads: Can indicate an inflated ego or strong sense of self. —Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025

While that dealer’s price is more in line with typical used car depreciation, the Foundation series was at one time selling at wildly inflated prices on the used market due to high demand. —Brooke Crothers, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025

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