inflate

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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 French people aren’t feeling economically confident, partly due to recent political uncertainty and partly because consumer prices are still inflated. Byalex Ledsom, Fortune, 16 Apr. 2025 Current models suggest the universe is expanding evenly in all directions—much like a balloon being inflated—but it was not believed that the universe itself was rotating. Arick Wierson, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025 But these detailed listings have been plagued with data errors, which have inflated the group’s savings by billions. David A. Fahrenthold, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025 On the other hand, actual deals could be scarce if prices are inflated due to newfound demand. Charles Singh, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate
Verb
  • What Murray did in the second half was increase his aggression off the dribble.
    Tony Jones, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • If elected, what would your top 3 policy priorities be? (1) Infrastructure in forms of roads and increased police and fire due to the growing population.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In November 2024, the renowned pastor suffered a massive heart attack while delivering a sermon on stage at the church, which was a frightening moment that, according to church insiders, accelerated long-standing plans for succession.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 27 Apr. 2025
  • This topic has been brewing for a while, and was accelerated by the injury conversation.
    Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Ocasio-Cortez raised $9.6 million in the year’s first quarter, an eye-catching amount that’s fueling speculation about her political future and potential ambitions.
    Savannah Kuchar, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Exposure can also raise the risk of conditions including certain cancers, stroke, asthma, preterm births, dementia, depression and anxiety.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For 2024, the list was expanded to 450 companies and looked at their emissions between 2020 and 2022.
    Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Then, expand your repertoire and hit the road with the Ceramide Ato Travel Kit, which features a mini version of the cream plus a travel-size Ceramide Ato 6.0 Top to Toe Wash and Ceramide Ato Lotion.
    Annie Blackman, Allure, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Iconic sportswear and footwear giant Adidas said Tuesday that the price of all its products will rise in the U.S. due to President Donald Trump's tariffs.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2025
  • But merely knowing that housing today is less affordable than in 1950 tells us little about why home prices have risen.
    Caleb Petitt, National Review, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • So, products that typically cost $20 can balloon to $50.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
  • That quickly ballooned into one of Orange County’s most popular pastry go-tos.
    Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • One patient had brain swelling and developed a cyst caused by radiation.
    Frieda Klotz, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Almost 4 in 10 Americans said neither party is fighting for people like them, as pessimism for both major parties swells, according to a survey released Friday.
    Filip Timotija, The Hill, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The pup’s abdomen was firm and distended.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The Most Exciting New Advances in Managing COPD With another strategy, diaphragmatic breathing, patients concentrate on distending their abdomen while taking in air.
    Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflate. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflate

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