inflate

1
2

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 The change, to be finalized shortly, inflates the accounting for the upfront cost of studies into HIV vaccines funded by the agency. Melissa Gaffney, CBS News, 30 May 2025 The original complaint accused the crypto exchange of violations including illegally serving U.S. users, inflating trading volumes, and commingling customer funds. Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 29 May 2025 Instead, a very different caliber group headlined free agency in 2024: Elias Lindholm, Chandler Stephenson and Steven Stamkos were among the top centers on the board, which inflated their signing values. Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Vance’s account of this dispute conveniently inflates the evidence of Abrego Garcia’s alleged membership in the MS-13 gang and omits the U.S. government’s responsibility for returning him to El Salvador. Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for inflate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate
Verb
  • Mahan won his first term as mayor in 2022 with 51.3% of the vote after residents pushed to move the mayoral election to align with the presidential one to increase voter turnout.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 7 June 2025
  • Tacoma did its own analysis and found that people with a regular housing voucher, and no time limit, actually fared better at increasing their incomes and moving on.
    Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • With attacks accelerating in pace and intensity, organizations cannot afford slow, laborious reporting structures.
    Travis Runty, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
  • Prior roles at Roku, Amazon, and Google reflect a consistent track record of driving platform growth, accelerating advertiser adoption, and shaping go-to-market strategies across streaming, e-commerce, and digital advertising.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • But the inclusion of migrants, the vast majority of whom were not listed in CBP data as having been accused of any felonies, raises deeper questions about what kind of data belongs in a criminal database.
    Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 29 May 2025
  • At Davis’ arraignment Wednesday, prosecutors demanded bail raised to $300,000, but Yolo Superior Court Judge Clara Levers reluctantly let Davis’ bail stand ahead of his next appearance June 23 in Yolo Superior Court.
    Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 29 May 2025
Verb
  • Blockchain, once synonymous with cryptocurrency, is expanding into areas like secure transactions and transparent supply chains.
    Karl Moore, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
  • Now in its fourth year, Bleak Week is expanding across the country — and, via the Prince Charles Cinema, across the pond to London — to hold screenings at 11 venues in eight cities.
    Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 27 May 2025
Verb
  • Interestingly, this percentage rises to 64% when examining data from the last 3 years instead of 5.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 4 June 2025
  • Needham downgrades Apple to hold from buy Needham downgraded the stock due to rising competition and valuation.
    Michael Bloom, CNBC, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • Power grids strained, energy costs ballooned and the companies that failed to plan paid the price.
    Erik Greenstein, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • By 1929, even as the federal budget ballooned, veterans benefits still represented 20% of the total federal budget.
    Jamie Rowen, The Conversation, 30 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inflate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inflate. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on inflate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!