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
After all, debt collection activity has picked up recently, thanks in large part to interest rates remaining elevated, inflation pinching household budgets and more Americans leaning on credit cards to bridge their budgetary gaps.
—
Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
The lower prices on the dairy staples are good news for shoppers, who have been struggling with rising grocery prices amid inflation and tariff increases.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Car prices have always crept up over time, both in line with inflation and as automakers have added tech features such as touch screens and navigation systems.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
This change comes at a time when inflation is significantly racking up menu prices — an issue that Darden Restaurants, the company that owns Olive Garden, is looking to combat.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 19 Dec. 2025
The lower prices on the dairy staples are good news for shoppers, who have been struggling with rising grocery prices amid inflation and tariff increases.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 19 Dec. 2025
Car prices have always crept up over time, both in line with inflation and as automakers have added tech features such as touch screens and navigation systems.
—Patrick George, The Atlantic, 19 Dec. 2025
This change comes at a time when inflation is significantly racking up menu prices — an issue that Darden Restaurants, the company that owns Olive Garden, is looking to combat.
—Katie Hill, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
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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