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
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
His tariffs and immigration crackdown could push up prices, potentially rekindling the inflation that turned many U.S. voters against President Joe Biden and helped return Trump to the White House.
—
Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Over the last 12 months, average hourly earnings rose to 4.1%, outpacing overall inflation near 3% and economists' average forecast for 3.7%, according to Dow Jones.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Worries over inflation dovetailed with lower optimism overall, as the headline index fell to 67.8, a one-month drop of 4.6% and an 11.8% move lower from the same month a year ago.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inflation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Compiled Bydemocrat-Gazette Stafffrom Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 8 Feb. 2025
Trump, who took office on January 20, campaigned heavily on the economy, vowing to reduce inflation and impose tariffs on some of the country's closest trading partners like Mexico and Canada, citing concerns over drugs, immigration, and trade deficits.
—Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 8 Feb. 2025
Over the last 12 months, average hourly earnings rose to 4.1%, outpacing overall inflation near 3% and economists' average forecast for 3.7%, according to Dow Jones.
—Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025
Worries over inflation dovetailed with lower optimism overall, as the headline index fell to 67.8, a one-month drop of 4.6% and an 11.8% move lower from the same month a year ago.
—Jeff Cox, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for inflation
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Cite this Entry
“Inflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inflation. Accessed 23 Feb. 2025.
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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