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 According to Drake’s claims, UMG cut Spotify a licensing discount for the song and allegedly paid to inflate its streams. —

Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 3 Dec. 2024 The iconic balloons are being inflated ahead of the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. —

NBC News, 28 Nov. 2024 The bigger issue though, and what could drive the negative reaction to the olfactory paper, is also down to how social media inflates people’s egos. —

Callum Booth, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 Canadian rapper Drake has taken his feud with rival Kendrick Lamar to the US court system, accusing record label Universal Music of conspiring to inflate the California hip-hop star’s streaming numbers and of defaming him, according to legal filings and media reports Tuesday. —

Afp, Fortune, 27 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate

Verb

By all measures, the company exceeded all expectations thanks to customer participation and decided to significantly increase the initial pledge to $11 million.

Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 16 Dec. 2024
This agreement is taking placing just as Anaheim is set to increase minimum wages to nearly $20.50 an hour in the new year.

Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 15 Dec. 2024