as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
the personal essay accompanying his college application was devoid of the inflation and self-aggrandizement that all too often is found in such writings
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflation
But some observers foresee the nickel’s ultimate demise, given the steady march of inflation and the gradual erosion of purchasing power in a five-cent coin.
—
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
As a result, fuel and fertilizer prices have soared, putting a strain on American farmers amid record inflation and trade disruptions.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
With less threat of high inflation hurting the economy, a sustained drop in oil prices could convince the Federal Reserve to resume its cuts to interest rates to help the economy.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Peak inflation: In the worst case of hyperinflation in the 20th century, Hungary’s inflation rate reached 41.9 quadrillion percent per month, with prices doubling every 15 hours.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2026
As a result, fuel and fertilizer prices have soared, putting a strain on American farmers amid record inflation and trade disruptions.
—Kelly McCarthy, ABC News, 18 Apr. 2026
With less threat of high inflation hurting the economy, a sustained drop in oil prices could convince the Federal Reserve to resume its cuts to interest rates to help the economy.
—Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2026
Peak inflation: In the worst case of hyperinflation in the 20th century, Hungary’s inflation rate reached 41.9 quadrillion percent per month, with prices doubling every 15 hours.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflation
Noun
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Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.—
Darren Franich,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
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For the most part though, For the First Time, Again is weighed down by oversinging and emotional affectation.—
Millan Verma,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While their energies differ, nearly all of them share the same basic drives (money, power, status) and the same fundamental flaws (greed, arrogance, selfishness).—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
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Their defensive style can look like arrogance or hostility.—
Paul Sanchez Ruiz,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The 2025 Holocaust Expropriated Art Recovery Act, or HEAR Act, expands on a 2016 law, signed by President Barack Obama, that permits victims and descendants of victims of the Holocaust to lay legal claim to works of art looted by the Nazis or sold to the Nazis under false pretenses.—
Jackie Hajdenberg,
Sun Sentinel,
20 Apr. 2026
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People finally get to see me, and there's no pretense about that.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Service feels attentive without formality or pretension.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Electric Bleu is a testament to the reality that food can be technically precise and expertly executed, without the pretension and toxicity so often associated with fine dining kitchens.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The primary bath is outfitted with marble flooring, Lefroy Brooks plumbing fixtures, Ann Sachs tile, dual vanities, a large soaking tub and a steam shower.—
Lauryn Azu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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Documents said the teenager told police that Ploor grabbed her, pushed her into a vanity, punched her in the chest, and pushed his elbow into her throat.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 27 Apr. 2026.
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