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 Trump has repeatedly inflated the size of his events, and has averaged about 5,600 guests across the 28 rallies from July to mid-August, according to analysis from the Crowd Counting Consortium, a joint project of Harvard Kennedy School and the University of Connecticut. —

Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024 Chains that were struggling before the pandemic are once again faltering as high interest rates inflate debt payments and price hikes weigh on many consumers. —

Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024 Any additional losses could further inflate costs for goods like orange juice, which reached record highs this year, according to Lee, the agricultural economist. —

Ayurella Horn-Muller / Grist, Quartz, 24 Oct. 2024 The ground nearby was inflated, indicating the presence of magma below, and now a swarm of earthquakes threatened to funnel the underground dike toward the village. —

Jonah Walters, Longreads, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for inflate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for inflate

Verb

Weight-bearing exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, and dancing, are great for increasing bone density.

Jianying Zhang, Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024
Combined with worries over increasing predator numbers and unpredictable winters, these circumstances had led managers to cut moose tags by more than 50 percent, the study’s authors explain.

Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 6 Nov. 2024