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 of inflated

• exaggerated

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

Blimps derive their name either by onomatopoeia from the sound of the inflated balloon being struck or from their classification in World War I as British Class B airship combined with the word limp, referring to their nonrigid construction. —Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026

Every unnecessary procedure, inflated bill, or improper referral can contribute to rising health care costs nationwide. —Fennemore, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026

On average, its white blooms appear late April to early May, and develop into interesting inflated three-sided seed pods by autumn. —Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 28 Apr. 2026

Baldoni’s attorneys pushed back, calling the projections speculative and wildly inflated. —Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2026

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