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
The threshold is adjusted for inflation each year.
—
Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Iran has responded by maintaining its threat to commercial shipping, which has kept oil and gas prices high and fueled inflation around the globe.
—May 4, CBS News, 4 May 2026
At the same time, the cost of local government operations has increased steadily with inflation.
—Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Over the last few decades, the role of neighborhood councils has been diminished in influence while budgets have been reduced by almost half (which, after adjusting for inflation, is more like 70%).
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 4 May 2026
Iran has responded by maintaining its threat to commercial shipping, which has kept oil and gas prices high and fueled inflation around the globe.
—May 4, CBS News, 4 May 2026
At the same time, the cost of local government operations has increased steadily with inflation.
—Chicago Tribune, 4 May 2026
Over the last few decades, the role of neighborhood councils has been diminished in influence while budgets have been reduced by almost half (which, after adjusting for inflation, is more like 70%).
—Teresa Liu, Daily News, 4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflation
Noun
-
The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
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
Noun
-
The arrogance here, however, is the gunman’s.—
Tom Nichols,
The Atlantic,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
On the day of Lincoln’s election, the Wide Awakes patrolled polling places under the pretense of protecting democracy, while opponents viewed it as voter intimidation.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities said the gun had been purchased under false pretenses in Indiana.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Spiegelman uses the term micro-looting, dressing up petty theft in political pretensions.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Service feels attentive without formality or pretension.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Over the vanity hung a neon sign in curlicue magenta script.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Here there are a dual sink vanity, a roomy shower, and a soaking tub.—
James Alexander,
Hartford Courant,
3 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 6 May. 2026.
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