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
CEOs were already confronting a period of rapid change thanks to seismic shifts in AI, sustained inflation, and on-again, off-again tariffs, and many are now struggling with how to digest the latest round of developments.
—
Shelly Banjo, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
While risks are tilted towards no cuts, by September, Warsh should be in and have enough evidence of inflation cooling to rally support for a couple of cuts.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
That could keep enough oil and natural gas out of the world's markets to send a punishing wave of inflation through the global economy.
—Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2026
Investors reluctant to buy more government debt against a backdrop of rising inflation demanded a higher yield, according to media reports.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Shelly Banjo, semafor.com, 13 Apr. 2026
While risks are tilted towards no cuts, by September, Warsh should be in and have enough evidence of inflation cooling to rally support for a couple of cuts.
—Jim Edwards, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
That could keep enough oil and natural gas out of the world's markets to send a punishing wave of inflation through the global economy.
—Arkansas Online, 28 Mar. 2026
Investors reluctant to buy more government debt against a backdrop of rising inflation demanded a higher yield, according to media reports.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 27 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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While their energies differ, nearly all of them share the same basic drives (money, power, status) and the same fundamental flaws (greed, arrogance, selfishness).—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
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Their defensive style can look like arrogance or hostility.—
Paul Sanchez Ruiz,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Baer appeared perplexed by this coy pretense of innocence.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
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K-pop is unusual in that there’s none of the pretense that often accompanies traditional pop music.—
Ross Raihala,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Electric Bleu is a testament to the reality that food can be technically precise and expertly executed, without the pretension and toxicity so often associated with fine dining kitchens.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
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There’s no phoniness, no pretension.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The primary bath is outfitted with marble flooring, Lefroy Brooks plumbing fixtures, Ann Sachs tile, dual vanities, a large soaking tub and a steam shower.—
Lauryn Azu,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Apr. 2026
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Documents said the teenager told police that Ploor grabbed her, pushed her into a vanity, punched her in the chest, and pushed his elbow into her throat.—
Adam Thompson,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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