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 lawsuits reflect significant issues reported by Jackson County residents at all stages of the property assessment cycle, from inflated home values to long-term impacts on school budgets. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026

There was also a huge $32 million class action settlement reached in 2025, resulting from a legal battle involving major telescope manufacturers and brands following allegations of price fixing and artificially inflated costs. — Harry Bennett, Space.com, 26 June 2026

Teams were comfortable paying inflated prices to acquire good young players on appealing contracts. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 24 June 2026

Banken used inflated home prices, confusing paperwork and six-figure balloon payments due at the end of short contracts to push buyers into default and to ultimately retain ownership of the property, the attorney general’s lawsuit said. — Andy Mannix, ProPublica, 23 June 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