inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən 
1
a
b
: a hypothetical extremely brief period of very rapid expansion of the universe immediately following the big bang
c
: empty pretentiousness : pomposity
2
: a continuing rise in the general price level usually attributed to an increase in the volume of money and credit relative to available goods and services
Synonyms of inflation
Examples of inflation in a Sentence
the inflation of a balloon
The government has been unable to control inflation.
The rate of inflation is high.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Higher inflation and weaker growth ahead are inevitable for the global economy as a consequence of the Iran war, the head of the International Monetary Fund warned on Monday as the institution prepares to cut its forecasts.
—
Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
After four years of sky-high inflation, American families can ill afford another round of higher food prices, but that’s exactly what’s coming if things remain unchanged.
—E.j. Antoni, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
What Dimon is describing, taken together, is a world in active transition—one where the post–Cold War assumptions of open supply chains, low inflation, and relative geopolitical stability are being dismantled in real time.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Hammack’s comments suggest a growing concern among at least some policymakers that inflation, which was elevated before the Iran war, may require rate hikes to tame further.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
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Joseph Wilkins, CNBC, 7 Apr. 2026
After four years of sky-high inflation, American families can ill afford another round of higher food prices, but that’s exactly what’s coming if things remain unchanged.
—E.j. Antoni, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2026
What Dimon is describing, taken together, is a world in active transition—one where the post–Cold War assumptions of open supply chains, low inflation, and relative geopolitical stability are being dismantled in real time.
—Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 6 Apr. 2026
Hammack’s comments suggest a growing concern among at least some policymakers that inflation, which was elevated before the Iran war, may require rate hikes to tame further.
—Christopher Rugaber, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for inflation
Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inflation
noun
in·fla·tion
in-ˈflā-shən
1
: an act of inflating : the state of being inflated
2
: a continual increase in the price of goods and services
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