inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən 
1
a
b
: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang
c
: empty pretentiousness : pomposity
2
: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services
Synonyms of inflation
Examples of inflation in a Sentence
the inflation of a balloon
The government has been unable to control inflation.
The rate of inflation is high.
Recent Examples on the Web
If oil prices stay very high for very long, households' budgets already stretched by high inflation could break under the pressure.
—
Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
The combination of a weak economy and high inflation is a worst-case scenario for investors because the Federal Reserve has no good tool to fix both problems at the same time.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Asia’s governments will have to stretch their budgets or risk unleashing an inflation shock as the deepening conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices past $100 a barrel.
—Claire Jiao, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
By Suvashree Ghosh and Melos Ambaye, Bloomberg Bitcoin advanced on Monday, with some advocates once again touting the digital asset as a potential inflation hedge, as trepidation over a prolonged war in Iran sent oil prices surging and stocks and bonds lower.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
The combination of a weak economy and high inflation is a worst-case scenario for investors because the Federal Reserve has no good tool to fix both problems at the same time.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Asia’s governments will have to stretch their budgets or risk unleashing an inflation shock as the deepening conflict in the Middle East pushes oil prices past $100 a barrel.
—Claire Jiao, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
By Suvashree Ghosh and Melos Ambaye, Bloomberg Bitcoin advanced on Monday, with some advocates once again touting the digital asset as a potential inflation hedge, as trepidation over a prolonged war in Iran sent oil prices surging and stocks and bonds lower.
—Bloomberg, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services
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