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

Criminal groups often mix real information with inflated claims to increase pressure on a company. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026

As shoppers navigate an increasingly inflated economy, the cost of a great pair of jeans has climbed alongside it, with premium denim often reaching into the hundreds. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026

Hundreds of thousands of property and business owners saw their assessed values raised by more than 15% either in 2023 or 2025, leading to inflated property tax bills that many have called unreasonable or unfair. — Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Still, the fandoms that are most likely to post emo lyrics or examine the most devastating lines could have a slightly inflated score. — Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 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