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Definitions

inflate

[in-fleyt] / ɪnˈfleɪt /
VERB
blow up, increase
Synonyms
STRONGEST
augment bloat boost enlarge escalate exaggerate expand magnify maximize overestimate pad widen
STRONG
aerate aggrandize amplify balloon cram dilate distend exalt pyramid raise spread stretch surcharge
WEAK
beef up build up flesh out puff up pump up swell up
Antonyms
STRONGEST
abridge decrease diminish lessen lower play down reduce shrink weaken
STRONG
compress contract debase depress
WEAK
deflate let air out

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Charities are urging people not to turn their heating off as the war in Iran continues to inflate energy prices.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

And more importantly, he didn’t inflate it into a referendum on the character of New Yorkers.

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

Two executives of bankrupt telecommunications business Mobileum conspired to inflate the company’s profit ahead of a private-equity buyout, federal prosecutors alleged in a criminal indictment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 2026

Falling stocks inflate put options with fear premiums.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

We’ll inflate a balloon using baking soda and vinegar!

From "The Science of Breakable Things" by Tae Keller

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.