inflate

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb inflate differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of inflate are amplify, dilate, distend, expand, and swell. While all these words mean "to increase in size or volume," inflate implies expanding by introduction of air or something insubstantial and suggests a vulnerability to sudden collapse.

an inflated ego

When is amplify a more appropriate choice than inflate?

While in some cases nearly identical to inflate, amplify implies the extension or enlargement of something inadequate.

amplify the statement with details

When is it sensible to use dilate instead of inflate?

The meanings of dilate and inflate largely overlap; however, dilate applies especially to expansion of circumference.

dilated pupils

Where would distend be a reasonable alternative to inflate?

Although the words distend and inflate have much in common, distend implies outward extension caused by pressure from within.

a distended abdomen

When might expand be a better fit than inflate?

The synonyms expand and inflate are sometimes interchangeable, but expand may apply regardless of the manner of increase (such as growth, unfolding, addition of parts).

a business that expands every year

When could swell be used to replace inflate?

The words swell and inflate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, swell implies gradual expansion beyond a thing's original or normal limits.

the bureaucracy swelled to unmanageable proportions

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inflate Two years ago, the largest producers were found liable for inflating prices in the 2000s. Danielle Kaye, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025 Organizations like the Cato Institute contend that FAIR's methodology may inflate costs while also overlooking the economic contributions of undocumented workers. Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 21 Feb. 2025 Every bribe paid to a government official inflates the cost of government contracts and makes consumers pay more for government services. Andres Oppenheimer, Miami Herald, 14 Feb. 2025 Those prices, like this year’s, were driven by a strain of avian influenza that led to supply shortages in stores and inflated costs for consumers. Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate
Verb
  • Tariffs of this magnitude would likely increase prices paid by U.S. shoppers, since importers typically pass along a share of the cost of those higher taxes to consumers, experts said.
    Max Zahn, ABC News, 3 Mar. 2025
  • Its revenue increased 21% to 18.7 billion yuan ($2.6 billion) in the first nine months of 2024 from the same period in 2023.
    Hassan Tayir, CNN, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • If an earlier breakthrough occurs: Should a major quantum attack capability emerge earlier than expected, the bitcoin community can accelerate the above timeline.
    Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
  • This aligns with developments in China, where the government is easing regulatory pressures on its tech sector to revitalize the economy and accelerate its AI ambitions to rival America.
    Tony Zhang, CNBC, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Broward teachers, other school district employees get 3% raises Eyeing a friendly Supreme Court, Republicans push for the Ten Commandments in schools Trump vowed to leverage federal money to fight antisemitism.
    South Florida Sun Sentinel, Sun Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Von der Leyen has proposed that the EU's executive branch, the European Commission, raise up to $161 billion on financial markets that would be loaned to member countries buy new military equipment for themselves, or to send to Ukraine.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said Monday that the computer chipmaker TSMC had expanded its investment in the United States because of the possibility of separate 25% tariffs.
    COMPILED BYDEMOCRAT-GAZETTE STAFFFROM WIRE REPORTS, arkansasonline.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • These actions are leaving the U.S. vulnerable despite years of evidence that Russia is committed to continuing and expanding its cyber efforts, according to Liana Keesing, campaigns manager for technology reform at Issue One, a nonprofit that has studied technology’s impact on democracy.
    David Klepper, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The personal savings rate also spiked higher, rising to 4.6%.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The watch includes a spinning roulette wheel in a 44-mm rose gold case.
    Mikelle Street, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Meanwhile, assaults on inmates ballooned from 1,267 in 2019 to 2,697 for the first 11 months of 2024.
    Landon Mion, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Some of his costars are seen in the documentary, both in original and archived interviews, discussing how the matter was not dealt with or discussed, even as the Friends castmembers’ individual value ballooned to $1.1 million per episode.
    Kevin Dolak, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The imbalance swelled to a record $131.4 billion in January, a 34% increase from the prior month and nearly double from a year ago.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Also known as Triple E, the virus swells the brain, and kills about one in three patients.
    Denise Hruby, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Most Exciting New Advances in Managing COPD With another strategy, diaphragmatic breathing, patients concentrate on distending their abdomen while taking in air.
    Matt Fuchs, TIME, 24 Oct. 2024
  • Abdominal bloating is when the stomach feels full of gas and may become distended (sticks out).
    Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Sep. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflate. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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