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 shutdown could account for up to a $14 billion loss in real GDP, or the total value of goods and services produced by the economy and adjusted for inflation, which won’t be recouped, the Congressional Budget Office said Wednesday.
—
Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
From Snickers to Reese's to Twix, one of America's favorite indulgences is getting more expensive, as tariffs, inflation and high cocoa prices squeeze profit margins and customers' pocketbooks, possibly leading to fewer chocolate bars landing in trick-or-treat buckets this year.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
With grocery prices on the rise, in part due to inflation and tariffs, many shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their budgets.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Higher prices from tariffs and overall inflation have caused consumers to largely reel back spending, causing a hit for some grocers and clothing stores alike.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 31 Oct. 2025
From Snickers to Reese's to Twix, one of America's favorite indulgences is getting more expensive, as tariffs, inflation and high cocoa prices squeeze profit margins and customers' pocketbooks, possibly leading to fewer chocolate bars landing in trick-or-treat buckets this year.
—Luke Fountain, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
With grocery prices on the rise, in part due to inflation and tariffs, many shoppers are looking for ways to stretch their budgets.
—Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
Higher prices from tariffs and overall inflation have caused consumers to largely reel back spending, causing a hit for some grocers and clothing stores alike.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 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 6 Nov. 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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