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 73-year-old launched his presidency in 2023 by scrapping fuel subsidies and removing a currency peg, changes that initially drove up inflation but have since helped to attract investment and boost economic growth.
—
Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Last month, job growth was stronger than expected and inflation was lower.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Joe Guzynski, executive director for the union, said its members last signed a contract with Kaiser in 2021 before inflation peaked around 8% in 2022.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Fed policymakers held interest rates steady last month after three straight cuts to close out 2025 as some officials continue to warn that inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target.
—Enda Curran, Fortune, 15 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 16 Feb. 2026
Last month, job growth was stronger than expected and inflation was lower.
—Susan Page, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026
Joe Guzynski, executive director for the union, said its members last signed a contract with Kaiser in 2021 before inflation peaked around 8% in 2022.
—Calmatters, Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2026
Fed policymakers held interest rates steady last month after three straight cuts to close out 2025 as some officials continue to warn that inflation remains above the central bank’s 2% target.
—Enda Curran, Fortune, 15 Feb. 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 Feb. 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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