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
In Japan, intergenerational wealth transfers amid inflation and high debt-to-GDP ratios could drive younger generations toward gold.
—
Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Experts say several factors have driven the sharp rise over the past year, including persistent concerns about inflation, ongoing global conflicts, and the possibility of interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
—Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Prices for precious metals have been soaring as investors look for safer places to park their money amid threats of tariffs, still-high inflation, political strife and mountains of debt for governments worldwide.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Longer-term rates are more dependent on inflation expectations and other economic factors.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Sean Lee, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Experts say several factors have driven the sharp rise over the past year, including persistent concerns about inflation, ongoing global conflicts, and the possibility of interest-rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.
—Brady Halbleib, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
Prices for precious metals have been soaring as investors look for safer places to park their money amid threats of tariffs, still-high inflation, political strife and mountains of debt for governments worldwide.
—Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Longer-term rates are more dependent on inflation expectations and other economic factors.
—Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 26 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 28 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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