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
Millions of Iranians are grappling with rampant inflation and a plummeting currency and everyday items and medicine have become unaffordable for many.
—
Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
The analysts, who raised their price target to $206 from $195 and kept their buy rating, said consumers getting tax breaks and inflation coming down should help.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Remarkably, the central bank has cut its inflation forecast, pointing to something of a Goldilocks period in which growth is not accompanied by significant price rises.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The lower prices on the dairy staples are good news for shoppers, who have been struggling with rising grocery prices amid inflation and tariff increases.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026
The analysts, who raised their price target to $206 from $195 and kept their buy rating, said consumers getting tax breaks and inflation coming down should help.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 8 Jan. 2026
Remarkably, the central bank has cut its inflation forecast, pointing to something of a Goldilocks period in which growth is not accompanied by significant price rises.
—Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 8 Jan. 2026
The lower prices on the dairy staples are good news for shoppers, who have been struggling with rising grocery prices amid inflation and tariff increases.
—Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 8 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflation
Noun
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Now, though levees may not exactly be back, royal affectations and the disputes that go with them are.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
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That’s probably an affectation.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
17 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach take turns transforming into floating marketplaces — docks converted to catwalks, hulls polished to reflective arrogance, sales reps who can quote fuel burn like yacht owners care about costs.—
Eric Barton,
Sun Sentinel,
4 Jan. 2026
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College football is awash in problems, including the Big Ten’s unrivaled arrogance, and its never-ending list of demands that would make Notre Dame blush.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
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That balance—heritage without preciousness, ambition without pretense—defines Louisville’s current culinary moment.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
16 Jan. 2026
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Aurora Municipal Court Judge Brian Whitney issued an order last year pausing more than 300 cases in which attorneys challenged issues under the same pretenses as those before the Supreme Court.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
16 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Drop the pretension of a late-night club and lean into a space-filled with incredible music and community (and the pleasant glow of daylight).—
Britt Julious,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
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His pretensions—riding around in a grand coach and continuing the weekly levees—as well as his administration’s notorious effort to enforce deference in the 1798 Sedition Act, fell flat.—
Jake Lundberg,
The Atlantic,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Posing on top of an antique vanity and inside a wooden cabinet, Bieber cycled through a parade of sheer lace, see-through mesh, and strappy designs in shades of red, black, pink, and cream.—
Lara Walsh,
InStyle,
7 Jan. 2026
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Store liquids—such as lotion, makeup, perfumes, and skincare—on a tray to protect your vanity table or bathroom cabinet.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflation. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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