INFLATE Synonyms: 105 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

inflate

verb

Definition of inflate next

as in to increase

to make greater in size, amount, or number Check that you have inflated your tires to the recommended pressure. Some sellers were inflating their prices by as much as 500 per cent.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to accelerate

to become greater in extent, volume, amount, or number Airbags are designed to inflate automatically on impact.

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples 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 Some celebrities have been accused of operating pump-and-dump schemes with their coins, using their social media following to artificially inflate the value of these coins before cashing in their large holdings and rendering the coins worthless. —

Ben Dandridge-Lemco, Rolling Stone, 29 Dec. 2024 In July, the Federal Trade Commission accused these pharmacy benefit managers of inflating drug costs by excluding cheaper generics from their formularies; the PBMs have denied that. —

Alexandra Byrne, NBC News, 28 Dec. 2024 If Burrow were to inflate his current statistics to a balanced era between the league averages of 2024, 2011, and 2007, Burrow would currently be sitting with 4,926 yards, 43 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. —

Tyler Small, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024 When the body chamber is inflated, air actuates the robot: Its wings flap downward from their initially flat position. —

Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate

Verb

Investment in women's health is increasing, from VC to private equity.

Geri Stengel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
Research suggests high levels can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and arrhythmias, while also raising blood pressure.

Angela Haupt, TIME, 14 Jan. 2025