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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of inflation
Brent has surged around 60% in March as the war between the US, Israel and Iran upended global markets and triggered concern about a simultaneous spike in inflation and slowdown in growth.
—
The Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026
Over the past three decades, went their analysis, total property tax levies in Cook County rose at roughly twice the pace of inflation and considerably more than than average wages.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Food prices may be rising more slowly than during the peak inflation years, but the baseline has shifted permanently higher.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Yields have climbed as investors sell bonds and adjust expectations for potential inflation, and the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
The Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 30 Mar. 2026
Over the past three decades, went their analysis, total property tax levies in Cook County rose at roughly twice the pace of inflation and considerably more than than average wages.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Food prices may be rising more slowly than during the peak inflation years, but the baseline has shifted permanently higher.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026
Yields have climbed as investors sell bonds and adjust expectations for potential inflation, and the Federal Reserve holding interest rates steady.
—John Towfighi, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 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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Money and jealousy are the root of the play’s evils, with more deadly sins released in a world of posh, uppity arrogance.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
27 Mar. 2026
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In a study with 355 participants, the authors narrowed their list to 16 warning signs that predicted violence that occurred within six months — many of them having to do with entitlement, arrogance, control and emotional immaturity.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The design is purely utilitarian—no aesthetic pretense—but if clean, efficient slicing is the goal, this knife is built for it.—
Jamie Thilman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
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Under owner Carter Arnett, the restaurant has stayed true to its core identity — classic flavors, consistent execution and hospitality rooted in genuine warmth rather than pretense.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The house did not have a European or East Coast seriousness, but rather a Californian dimension rooted in casualness, improvisation, and lack of pretension.—
Rem Koolhaas,
Artforum,
26 Mar. 2026
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Traditionally, Oscars hosts have been at their best when puncturing the pretensions of the stars in attendance, but for the most part, host Conan O’Brien bought into their sense of their own righteousness.—
Peter Tonguette,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
Noun
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One thing to keep in mind is that the bathrooms are open-concept, flowing into the bedroom and living area with no door separating the sink/vanity.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
30 Mar. 2026
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Clavicular is like a blend of Dorian Gray and Patrick Bateman, those fictional creations of gay authors out to probe the sinister side of male vanity.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
27 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
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