inflate
verb (used with object)
to distend; swell or puff out; dilate.
inflating
-
present participleof inflate.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The company has said it stands by its ratings — two former employees are suing it as they said they were pressured into inflating ratings to attract business.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 2, 2026
They included artificially inflating revenue by more than £900m through "sham" sponsorship deals.
From BBC ● Sep. 30, 2026
Now it’s inflating the dating value of semiconductor-industry bachelors and bachelorettes.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 10, 2026
Like other installers, Mendoza's wish list also includes an end to VAT taxes that are inflating costs for a public he says no longer needs convincing.
From Barron's ● Aug. 5, 2026
I can’t bring myself to give a full answer with a balloon of fear steadily inflating in my ribs.
From "Kwame Crashes the Underworld" by Craig Kofi Farmer
