inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed in-ˈflā-təd How to pronounce inflated (audio)
1
: distended with air or gas
2
: expanded to an abnormal or unjustifiable volume or level
inflated prices
3
: elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means
an inflated style of writing
4
: being hollow and enlarged or distended

Examples of inflated in a Sentence

a writer with an inflated reputation an inflated style of writing She objects to the inflated salaries that many professional athletes now receive.
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.
However, the issue of high prescription costs has long been a personal crusade for Cuban, who launched his own company, Cost Plus Drugs, in 2022 to tackle inflated prices through direct-to-consumer transparency. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025 And the excess purchasing power caused by excess (untaxed) wealth distorts markets, leading to inflated prices for ordinary people. Made By History, Time, 15 Apr. 2025 While industry veterans like Carmack and Sweeney view AI as another tool in the development arsenal, demonstrations like the Quake II instance may create inflated expectations about AI's current capabilities for complete game generation. ArsTechnica, 8 Apr. 2025 Economists argue that Trump’s formula relies on a flawed, underestimation of a key metric, resulting in inflated tariff rates for countries. Erin Doherty, CNBC, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflated

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of inflated was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Inflated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflated. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

inflated

adjective
in·​flat·​ed
in-ˈflāt-əd
: hollow and stretched or swelled
inflated pods of a plant

More from Merriam-Webster on inflated

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