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 inflated globe was light and buoyant. —Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026

Trump visited the building last July and on camera presented to Powell an inflated cost estimate, which Powell corrected as the two stood at the construction site in hard hats. —Christopher Rugaber, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Even when companies genuinely believe in the long-term potential of their strategies, vague or inflated narratives can create legal exposure. —Perrie M. Weiner, Fortune, 23 Apr. 2026

Manufacturers have pivoted to producing high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips for hyperscaler corporations, leaving gamers and enthusiasts stuck with hugely inflated prices. —Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 23 Apr. 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