Search Dictionary
Definition of inflate

inflate

/ɪnˈfleɪt/
in · flate
Adjective:inflatable
•
Past Simple:inflated
•
Past Participle:inflated
•
Present Participle:inflating
JUMP TO:

inflate Lexical Profile

inflate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To fill an object with air or gas so that it swells or becomes firm, or to become filled with air or gas.

Example

"Please remember to inflate the bicycle tires to the recommended pressure before setting off on the trail."

2

To increase or exaggerate something to an excessive, artificial, or unjustified degree.

Example

"The contractor was accused of attempting to inflate the renovation estimates by nearly thirty percent."

3

To bring about an increase in the general level of prices or the money supply in an economy, resulting in a reduction of purchasing power.

Example

"Supply chain bottlenecks continued to inflate the cost of consumer goods throughout the fiscal year."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for inflate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for inflate

• Rhymes for inflate

• Nearby Words

inflammation
inflammatory
inflatable
inflate
inflated
inflation
inflationary

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin 'inflare' ('to blow into, puff up'), formed from 'in-' ('into') and 'flare' ('to blow').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Inflate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/inflate
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.