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
One major fear is that the war could knock out oil and gas production in the Middle East for a long time, which would mean high prices could last a while and cause inflation to rip higher around the world.
—
Charlotte Graham-McLay, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Economic anxiety and inflation are leading shoppers to spend less and search for savings.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The retreat from gold — which is traditionally seen as a key safe-haven asset in times of market turmoil — chimes with the ongoing risk-off sentiment in markets as the Iran conflict fuels concerns over inflation and rising energy prices.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
The new risk environment will cause prices to stay higher globally and further stoke inflation, Kupchan added.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Charlotte Graham-McLay, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026
Economic anxiety and inflation are leading shoppers to spend less and search for savings.
—Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2026
The retreat from gold — which is traditionally seen as a key safe-haven asset in times of market turmoil — chimes with the ongoing risk-off sentiment in markets as the Iran conflict fuels concerns over inflation and rising energy prices.
—Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 23 Mar. 2026
The new risk environment will cause prices to stay higher globally and further stoke inflation, Kupchan added.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 23 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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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
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The same arrogance has infected the political sphere.—
Anthony Scaramucci,
Fortune,
19 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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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
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Start with Farm, a farm-to-table standout that sources directly from local growers and delivers California cuisine without the pretension.—
Sophie Morgan,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This produced a 1-inch overhang on the front and left side of the vanity cabinet.—
Tim Carter,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2026
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The tale warned the Greeks about the dangers of vanity.—
Ryan Lattanzio,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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