reflation

noun

re·​fla·​tion (ˌ)rē-ˈflā-shən How to pronounce reflation (audio)
: restoration of deflated prices to a desirable level
reflate
(ˌ)rē-ˈflāt How to pronounce reflation (audio)
verb
reflationary
(ˌ)rē-ˈflā-shə-ˌner-ē How to pronounce reflation (audio)
adjective

Examples of reflation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the reflation boost appears to be petering out as much of the price recovery has been driven by surging global energy costs, while domestic demand lags. — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026 The 2016 reflation trade ran on an accommodative Federal Reserve and inflation running well below target — conditions with no analog in the current cycle, where the Fed is still wrestling with an inflation rate that refuses to return to 2%. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 30 July 2026 Covid, then reflation, then supply-chain inflation, then a tardy Fed, then war. — James MacKintosh, WSJ, 15 Mar. 2022 What did the Fed do or say to cause investors to jump ship on the reflation theme? — Garth Friesen, Forbes, 20 June 2021 See All Example Sentences for reflation

Word History

Etymology

re- + -flation (as in deflation)

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reflation was in 1932

Rhymes for reflation

See All Rhymes for reflation

Browse Nearby Words

reflate
reflation
reflect
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Reflation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflation. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of apiary

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All