inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed in-ˈflā-təd How to pronounce inflated (audio)
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 The discovery made the family feel festive, but the inflated prices chipped away at their savings. Amy Schoenfeld Walker, New York Times, 12 Mar. 2024 Not to mention the inflated costs associated with a major league game. Kirk Kern, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024 Indeed, even going for a drink is losing favor with especially younger Americans struggling to justify the inflated cost of partaking in the restaurant or bar economy. Chloe Berger, Fortune, 27 Feb. 2024 In recent years, the fintech sector in Southeast Asia has witnessed a surge in investment, leading to inflated valuations for numerous startups. Zennon Kapron, Forbes, 9 Feb. 2024 The proposed Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act could especially add benefits for the additional child tax credit at the cost of inflated federal deficits. The Arizona Republic, 30 Jan. 2024 Edtech firm Byju’s was once India’s most valuable startup, worth $22 billion in late 2022, but the startup is now dealing with accusations of inflated numbers, a toxic work culture, unethical sales practices, and missed debt payments. Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 10 Mar. 2024 The current reigning champion of most inflated grocery item, however, is not that far away in the dairy case. Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 10 Mar. 2024 Jones had received an inflated DWP bill and sued the city, ultimately resulting in a $67-million settlement to him and other DWP customers. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'inflated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflated was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near inflated

Cite this Entry

“Inflated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflated. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inflated

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

More from Merriam-Webster on inflated

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