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
An Illinois congressman’s warning that Americans are paying more for groceries is drawing pushback from economists who say federal inflation data show food prices are easing.
—
Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
Coming off three consecutive interest rate cuts, the central bank is expected to follow a more tepid path for the year ahead in which additional cuts could be hard to come by considering expectations for solid growth and ongoing inflation pressures.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
Under Maduro’s watch, Venezuela’s economy shrank 71% between 2012 and 2020, while inflation topped 130,000%.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 2026
Basic goods remain costly or scarce, inflation continues to erode wages, and public services remain dysfunctional.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 3 Jan. 2026
Coming off three consecutive interest rate cuts, the central bank is expected to follow a more tepid path for the year ahead in which additional cuts could be hard to come by considering expectations for solid growth and ongoing inflation pressures.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 3 Jan. 2026
Under Maduro’s watch, Venezuela’s economy shrank 71% between 2012 and 2020, while inflation topped 130,000%.
—Dallas Morning News, 3 Jan. 2026
Basic goods remain costly or scarce, inflation continues to erode wages, and public services remain dysfunctional.
—Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 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 8 Jan. 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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