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 Bernstein said that after surging from 2020 spurred on by government subsidies and tax breaks which inflated demand, European EV sales stalled in 2024. Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025 This was important because once the power is on and the bladders inflate, there's no adjusting or getting your hand back until the cycle is completed short of turning the device off. David Szondy, New Atlas, 17 May 2025 However, some experts think the Mondrian’s price tag was inflated to begin with. Lillian Ali, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025 For example, consider a scenario where one spouse earns significantly more than the other or one spouse has no student debt – filing taxes jointly would inflate the IDR payment by including both incomes, but filing separately means only the borrower's income counts. Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate
Verb
  • Such technology can increase sales from 25 to 57 percent, according to GK’s Arthur Hagiage.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 26 May 2025
  • Under the federal Pact Act of 2022, which increased eligibility for VA services, 1.5 million more veterans are now eligible for the services in Massachusetts.
    Grace Zokovitch, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Businesses ready to explore how crypto payments can accelerate growth are invited to connect directly through the Vantack platform.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • Comment with strategy and purpose The next secret to accelerated growth lives in your LinkedIn commenting strategy.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Stay hydrated: Since dry mouth raises gum disease risk, make sure to drink plenty of water.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 29 May 2025
  • Fisher Scientific withdrew its full-year profit forecast while the medical equipment maker expects to take a $400 million hit in sales to China, as Trump’s tariffs would likely raise the cost of parts the company sources in China.
    Ty Roush, Forbes.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • The terminal was expanded in 2023. 2012: Paul Konerko hit a tie-breaking three-run home run — his 400th with the Chicago White Sox — in a 12-6 win over the Cleveland Indians.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2025
  • Dowling’s donation comes as Northwell, New York’s largest health care provider, is actively lobbying the city government on a plan to expand its Lenox Hill Hospital complex on the Upper East Side, filings show.
    Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • The April print marked a notable recovery from the previous month, when retail sales rose by 0.1% month-on-month.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 23 May 2025
  • This surge reflects growing investor confidence in NuScale’s distinctive position within the nuclear energy industry, propelled by rising electricity demand amid the AI boom and the swift progression of global electrification.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Accruing interest that makes balances balloon over time.
    Shahar Ziv, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • That stroke of fortune helped Verstappen build up a seemingly insurmountable lead which ballooned out to 18 seconds at one point.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Sinusitis, which means inflammation of the sinuses, can result in pain, tenderness or even swelling in or around different parts of your face and head such as your eyes, ears, cheeks, forehead, mouth, teeth, throat and head in general as well.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • Untold pieces of protest art also were created in public spaces across the U.S. – from murals honoring Floyd, to calls for justice and support for the Black Lives Matter movement, which swelled in the wake of Floyd's death.
    Deena Zaru, ABC News, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • Isaiah was also malnourished and dehydrated at the time of his death, with his small and large intestines markedly distended.
    Sam Tabachnik, Denver Post, 22 Mar. 2017
  • The pup’s abdomen was firm and distended.
    Terry Castleman, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflate. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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