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
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Recent Examples of inflation
During inflation—an expansive process that theoretically took place just after the Big Bang—quantum fluctuations could have caused large parts of the cosmos to spontaneously buckle inward, forming black holes before any stars had yet appeared.
—
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2025
During the 1920s, as soaring inflation across Germany led to widespread poverty, growing numbers of German smokers began to reject pre-rolled cigarettes.
—Robert M. Ehrenreich, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2025
However, in the early 1980s, a new theory called cosmic inflation came along, suggesting that before the hot Big Bang, the Universe behaved very differently, pushing any hypothetical singularity unobservably far back.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 24 Sep. 2025
And inflation is expected to decline in most of the G20 economies as growth moderates along with labor market pressures.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2025
During the 1920s, as soaring inflation across Germany led to widespread poverty, growing numbers of German smokers began to reject pre-rolled cigarettes.
—Robert M. Ehrenreich, JSTOR Daily, 24 Sep. 2025
However, in the early 1980s, a new theory called cosmic inflation came along, suggesting that before the hot Big Bang, the Universe behaved very differently, pushing any hypothetical singularity unobservably far back.
—Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 24 Sep. 2025
And inflation is expected to decline in most of the G20 economies as growth moderates along with labor market pressures.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflation
Noun
-
The band sets aside the winks and retro affectations for something unadorned and honest.—
Sarah Grant,
Rolling Stone,
19 Aug. 2025
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The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Blenkin told Variety in September 2025 that his character's laughter comes from arrogance.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
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Nishijima brings his characteristic intensity to Kenji, a man whose academic arrogance masks deep insecurity and desperation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But at least those entities are populated by people who are curious about art and culture—these OFFLINE events have no such pretense.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
24 Sep. 2025
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Gregory and Gerner were arrested and charged with felony counts of injury to an energy facility and felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense, deputies said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There's no pretension here: San Pancho's beach is dotted with boutique hotels and homes for rent and an array of restaurants, mostly of the no-frills and unassuming variety.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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The Chicago Athletic Association offers an elevated members club experience without the steely pretension.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Upstairs, the home boasts four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, including the primary bedroom and bathroom with double vanities, a soaking tub and large shower.—
Molly Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Sep. 2025
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Moreover, sports teams are the ultimate vanity asset – something billionaires love to own without too much concern about possible operating losses (which likely just offset taxable gains elsewhere).—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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