inflate

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inflate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inflate are amplify, dilate, distend, expand, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

When is amplify a more appropriate choice than inflate?

While in some cases nearly identical to inflate, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When is it sensible to use dilate instead of inflate?

The meanings of dilate and inflate largely overlap; however, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Where would distend be a reasonable alternative to inflate?

Although the words distend and inflate have much in common, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When might expand be a better fit than inflate?

The synonyms expand and inflate are sometimes interchangeable, but expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When could swell be used to replace inflate?

The words swell and inflate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inflate Chan frequently cashed out management, sick and vacation hours, which inflated his total wages to among the highest in the state for city employees. Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2025 No need to wrestle with poles or even inflate a sleeping pad. Erica Zazo, Outside, 14 Oct. 2025 The turnaround plan also has included reworking pricing of Jeep SUVs, which inflated in recent years above market norms, and re-engaging with its alienated dealer network amid a lack of new products and declining sales. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2025 The biggest addition is the inclusion of two separate two-way floor pumps, allowing two different people to inflate the tent simultaneously. New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate
Verb
  • Investors cheered the improbable rise of the amateur heavy metal drummer and hard-line conservative, who’s expected to increase defense spending, cut taxes, and revive Japan’s nuclear power industry.
    Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • The salt in your food can increase fluid retention in your kidneys, potentially leading to elevated blood pressure,’’ said Pianko.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The open-source project has been used by millions of scientists in more than 190 countries, accelerating research into diseases previously considered intractable.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Southern China’s tropical to subtropical climate – with heavy rainfall, heat, and humidity – accelerates chemical weathering, while the region’s long history of tectonic and magmatic activity adds further erosion.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s lack of specifics on his new 10% Canada tariff raised key questions for Erica York, vice president of federal tax policy at the Tax Foundation.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Owsley Brown Frazier, a fourth-generation descendant of George Garvin Brown, alone raised more than $500 million in his lifetime.
    Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When a snowstorm blows up suddenly and socks in the entire area, Lester and Mike begin a search that soon expands with the aid of local neighbors and law enforcement.
    Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The Functional Fabric Fair has also expanded its speaker programming to provide forward-thinking insights and solutions to current challenges.
    SJ Studio, Sourcing Journal, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The number of foreign residents has risen sharply in recent years, reaching a record 3 percent of the population in 2024, as Tokyo cautiously loosened visa rules for workers in key industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and caregiving.
    Micah McCartney, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Oct. 2025
  • In that appearance, Thilly moonwalked across the floor and performed a backspin before using his allotted five minutes to complain about rising taxes, according to CBS News New York.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Beef costs have ballooned as much as 12% in the past year.
    Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2025
  • While James was successful in her lawsuit against Trump for over-inflating the value of his properties to gain favorable loans, an appeals court ruled that the fine of $350 million — which ballooned to over $500 million — was excessive and voided the fine.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • She was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition and underwent emergency surgery, during which doctors removed part of her skull to relieve swelling.
    Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Venezuela’s armed forces comprise roughly 109,000 active personnel, but the total number swells when paramilitary and reserve units are included.
    Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The fear grew when her 1-year-old boy's belly started to distend and his ribs were pressed against his skin.
    Brad Schmitt, Nashville Tennessean, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The effect is to both collapse and distend time until all the souls in the book, most of them nameless anyway, exist at the same time, in the same place, forever.
    Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 3 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflate. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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