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

Pope hasn't had the best statistics throughout his minor-league career, but in fairness, the Diamondbacks' affiliates are notorious for playing in leagues with inflated offensive totals. —Jackson Roberts, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

We're not fooled when a manufacturer or retailer spikes their price weeks or months before Black Friday, then steps in with an inflated 'discount'. —Chris McMullen, Space.com, 2 Dec. 2025

Olivia Dean has secured partial refunds for fans after publicly criticizing Ticketmaster and AXS over inflated resale prices for her upcoming North American tour. —Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 1 Dec. 2025

Bubbles occur when stocks surge on inflated growth expectations that ultimately prove to be disconnected from a company's underlying fundamentals. —CBS News, 28 Nov. 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