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 News of a potential deal inflated investor confidence Thursday, with markets making gains in early trading. Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 8 May 2025 The biggest inning against the Padres since 2011 inflated the bullpen’s ERA from 1.68 to 2.34, still best in MLB. Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025 The inmates also built wooden paddles and converted a musical instrument into a tool to inflate the raft. Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 May 2025 And even the $58 billion in savings that DOGE has itemized is significantly inflated, by including outright errors and guesses about the future. Jonathan Swan, New York Times, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate
Verb
  • Autism rates increased, again: But RFK Jr. diverges from CDC report about the reason.
    Adrianna Rodriguez, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Process syrup, fresh basil leaves, lime juice, water, and ice cubes in a blender on low speed, gradually increasing speed, until thick and slushy, about 45 seconds.
    Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Currently, a shift in technology and user behavior might accelerate the conclusion of the agreement.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • Witnesses told police the SUV appeared to accelerate directly at the family.
    Bethany Brown, People.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • The fundraiser is to be held Tuesday between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Smyth raised $34,000 in campaign contributions, the Nancy on Norwalk website reports, in the first four weeks after announcing her candidacy in March.
    Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 17 May 2025
  • Smith was born and raised at Beale Air Force Base and lives in Elk Grove.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • This year, that influence expanded into the cultural mainstream with her debut on Season 7 of The Real Housewives of Miami.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 16 May 2025
  • On a year-on-year basis, however, Japan's GDP expanded 1.7%, the largest expansion since the first quarter of 2023 and a stronger showing compared to the 1.3% growth seen in the fourth quarter.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • If sea levels continue to rise, urban areas may have to consider taking drastic action to prevent flooding and other disruption to city life.
    Theo Burman, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 May 2025
  • The claims already filed have exposed our state government to more than $3 billion in unfunded liabilities and the number is expected to rise as new cases are filed.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Hayden appeared before a Congressional committee earlier in the week, facing questions from a library modernization project whose cost has ballooned while completion deadlines have been repeatedly delayed.
    Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • While at-home recording has of course ballooned in the digital era as recording equipment has gotten cheaper and higher quality, making a successful commercial album on a six-inch phone screen is another step further.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • December 2012 Intense pain, swelling, and overwhelming fatigue worsen.
    Health, Health, 20 May 2025
  • The wheat fields practically glow golden-yellow, the citizens work and mingle while wearing gorgeous and colorful clothes, and the music swells and soothes with ancient vibes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 19 May 2025
Verb
  • Isaiah was also malnourished and dehydrated at the time of his death, with his small and large intestines markedly distended.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2017
  • The pup’s abdomen was firm and distended.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflate. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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