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 The window is shorter, prices are inflated, sellers know which buyers are desperate and the available players have often been warming their clubs’ benches since August. —

Beren Cross, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025 The attorney charges a contingent fee of 40-45% of the clients’ ultimate award which creates an incentive to inflate claims. —

Mark Hillman, The Denver Post, 17 Jan. 2025 In the fall, dozens of school districts across multiple states, including Oceanside Unified, filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey against several pharmaceutical companies, PBMs and UnitedHealthcare, also accusing them of colluding to inflate insulin prices. —

Todd Karpovich, Baltimore Sun, 15 Jan. 2025 Adams has touted decreases in migrant spending as a further sign the worst of the crisis is behind the city — although members of the City Council and the city’s Independent Budget Office have said the administration inflated cost estimates for migrant expenses. —

Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for inflate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate

Verb

Taxes increased, public spending was reined in, and price controls were largely abolished.

— Marina P. Asins, Architectural Digest, 26 Jan. 2025
One should be convinced of his increasing persuasive influence in the United States and in affairs with allies.

— Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 26 Jan. 2025