inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən 
1
a
b
: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang
c
: empty pretentiousness : pomposity
2
: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services
Synonyms of inflation
Examples of inflation in a Sentence
the inflation of a balloon
The government has been unable to control inflation.
The rate of inflation is high.
Recent Examples on the Web
The global energy shock stemming from maritime traffic disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, where roughly a fifth of the world’s oil is typically transported, has led to surging fuel prices and is threatening to push up inflation in many countries and impact economic growth.
—
ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Data releases include Spanish inflation.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
Flickinger has already made up his mind that confidence is down and headed lower, citing the University of Michigan’s long-running survey, which showed a March reading among the lowest of the past five years, just three points off the all-time low of June 2022, during Biden-era inflation.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
That could offer some relief for the housing market and rates for mortgages, which have been climbing with Treasury yields since the war began, on worries about high oil prices and inflation.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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ABC News, 14 Apr. 2026
Data releases include Spanish inflation.
—Holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2026
Flickinger has already made up his mind that confidence is down and headed lower, citing the University of Michigan’s long-running survey, which showed a March reading among the lowest of the past five years, just three points off the all-time low of June 2022, during Biden-era inflation.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
That could offer some relief for the housing market and rates for mortgages, which have been climbing with Treasury yields since the war began, on worries about high oil prices and inflation.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services
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