inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed in-ˈflā-təd 

1

: distended with air or gas

2

: expanded to an abnormal or unjustifiable volume or level

inflated prices

3

: elaborated or heightened by artificial or empty means

an inflated style of writing

4

: being hollow and enlarged or distended

Synonyms

• bloated
• exaggerated
• hyperbolized
• outsize
• outsized
• overblown
• overdrawn
• overweening

Examples of inflated in a Sentence

a writer with an inflated reputation

an inflated style of writing

She objects to the inflated salaries that many professional athletes now receive.

Recent Examples on the Web

In return, Medina submitted fraudulently inflated budgets to obtain multiple contracts through the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, which was overseeing the housing program. —Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025

Reports said that over 50,000 tickets ended up on resale sites, despite efforts to restrict touts re-selling tickets at inflated prices. —Thomas Smith, Billboard, 10 Feb. 2025

The inflated prices on vintage gear are not limited to jackets, though. —Caleb Mezzy, The Athletic, 9 Feb. 2025

Brands need partners who can cut through the noise, deliver fresh ideas and produce impactful work—without the drag of unnecessary complexity or inflated costs. —Flavio Vidigal, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for inflated

• abated
• ablated
• awaited
• belated
• berated
• castrated
• chelated
• citrated
• collated
• conflated
• created
• curated

Kids Definition

inflated

adjective

in·​flat·​ed

in-ˈflāt-əd

: hollow and stretched or swelled

inflated pods of a plant