inflation

noun

in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
Synonyms of inflationnext
1
: an act of inflating : a state of being inflated: such as
a
: distension
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The rise of loans at Americans’ fingertips Short-term financing has skyrocketed in popularity since the pandemic, when the emergence of these on-demand pay tools, as well as buy-now, pay-later apps aligned with increases in inflation. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026 Given Abbey’s anxieties about spending money and fear of not having enough, Stacy plans to use very conservative assumptions for inflation, health costs and average returns when making her projections based on Abbey’s savings today. — Jeanne Sahadi, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 Jim said on Wednesday that investors appear more concerned about what lies ahead for the economy than what the banks just reported, given persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and pressure on capital markets. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026 Consumer sentiment at the midterms Due to high fuel and housing costs, and wages that aren't keeping pace with inflation, consumer sentiment is lower than at almost any other time in modern history. — David Morgan, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inflation

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflation was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing inflation

Rhymes for inflation

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Browse Nearby Words

inflatedness
inflation
inflationary
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Cite this Entry

“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

inflation

noun
in·​fla·​tion in-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce inflation (audio)
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services

More from Merriam-Webster on inflation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about inflation

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