inflation

noun

in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
Definition of inflationnext
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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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 inflation Friedman loathes the inflation that comes with each midseason transaction frenzy. — Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026 If Friday’s July jobs report comes in stronger than expected, that could increase the likelihood that the Fed increases interest rates at its September meeting — provided there’s no break in inflation. — Zev Fima,kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 2 Aug. 2026 Fresh signs that the job market remains robust could fuel more worries about inflation. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 2 Aug. 2026 Ticket prices for the top world tours spiked some fifty per cent between 2019 and 2024, significantly outpacing inflation. — Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflation
  1. affectation
  2. arrogance
  3. pretense
  4. pretension
  5. vanity
Noun
  • Assemble a scrapbook or photo album to curate your personal affectations, trinkets, and memories.
    — Lisa Stardust, Vogue, 26 July 2026
  • The steering wheel is flat at the top and bottom—a race-car affectation that feels correct in here—and has a button for the Boost function and another to adjust the aero, but is otherwise refreshingly simple.
    — Jason Barlow, Robb Report, 7 July 2026
Definition of affectation
Noun
  • However, confidence can quickly turn into arrogance, so remember to stay grounded.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Everything else is pretense; the diplomat is pretense; the Hand of the King, there’s a level of pretense; Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, there’s a level of pretense.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 20 July 2026
  • When Moore finally abandons the pretense and focuses in earnest on his presidential ambitions, the damage to Maryland will be incalculable and likely irreparable.
    — Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 18 July 2026
Definition of pretense
Noun
  • At 61, unaligned to any party faction and with no pretensions to the highest office, the Scot would represent little threat to Burnham.
    — Ian King, CNBC, 15 July 2026
  • Impartial, fact-finding and without pretension, Burns turns his camera to our history in a sober-but-not-boring manner.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026
Definition of pretension
Noun
  • The single-sink bathroom vanity had just enough room for two, but the massive walk-in shower featured a soaking tub.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The desk-sized vanity mirror features a sturdy silicone base with Mira, Rumi and Zoey’s faces on the bottom, alongside a tray for your hair accessories.
    — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 28 July 2026
Definition of vanity

Browse Nearby Words

inflating
inflation
inflect
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Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 4 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Nglish: Translation of inflation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflation

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