inflect

verb

in·​flect in-ˈflekt How to pronounce inflect (audio)
inflected; inflecting; inflects
Synonyms of inflectnext

transitive verb

1
: to vary (a word) by inflection : decline, conjugate
2
: to change or vary the pitch of
inflect one's voice
3
: to affect or alter noticeably : influence
an approach inflected by feminism
4
: to turn from a direct line or course : curve

intransitive verb

: to become modified by inflection
inflectable adjective
inflective adjective

Examples of inflect in a Sentence

Most nouns in English are inflected for plural use by adding “-s” or “-es.” Most nouns in English inflect for plural use by adding “-s” or “-es.” Most adjectives in English do not inflect for gender or number.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
His own voice is nasal and inflected, a deft instrument that can carve a slice of experiences ranging from comic to tragic. Literary Hub, 5 Feb. 2026 Occupy Wall Street–inflected politics informed its plot, which follows a bunch of workers at the titular tower banding together to rob a Wall Street billionaire, played by Alan Alda, who burned their pensions in a Ponzi scheme. Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026 To add to the complexity, smoke taint is inflected by subtle distinctions between grape varietals, too. Nicola Twilley, New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2026 With the second-highest Street price target of $115, the analysts see a best-case scenario in which Chinese sales declines bottom out, and begin to inflect positively. Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflect

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin inflectere, from in- + flectere to bend

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 4

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflect was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflect. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

inflect

verb
in·​flect in-ˈflekt How to pronounce inflect (audio)
1
: to change a word by inflection
2
: to change the pitch of the voice

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