shrink

Definition of shrinknext
1
as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the sweater will shrink a little when washed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word shrink different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and deflate. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

When would compress be a good substitute for shrink?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When might condense be a better fit than shrink?

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could constrict be used to replace shrink?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When can contract be used instead of shrink?

The words contract and shrink can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

In what contexts can deflate take the place of shrink?

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Example 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 shrink The strategy on islands is built around four pillars that aim to improve transportation links and digital infrastructure, tackle the effects of climate change and energy needs, address shrinking populations and housing shortages, and bolster security and crisis preparedness. ABC News, 26 June 2026 However, as vehicles grow, the margin for error keeps shrinking. Beth Livesay, AJC.com, 26 June 2026 Inflation fears have also been showing up in the bond market, with the spread between the 2-year and 10-year Treasury yield shrinking further this week. Sarah Min, CNBC, 26 June 2026 However, as this filtering intensifies, the total pool of potential customers begins to shrink. Avinash Tripathi, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
  • Mirza built a single-entry-point platform that helps workers navigate childcare subsidies, SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid—compressing what can be 16 separate government forms into a single process in some states.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • During the peak in 2021 and 2022, C’Ganti has said pricing between Class A, B, and C properties was compressed.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • With five seasons of Disney media training under their belts, the trio didn’t flinch.
    Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2026
  • Sipp slightly flinched his left arm before throwing a pitch to Emmanuel Burriss, allowing Miguel Tejada to score and sending San Francisco to its fourth straight win.
    Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • This significantly minimizes cybersecurity risks by decreasing the number of outside players that may have access to the data through cloud or hardware infrastructure.
    Forbes.com, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • As the storm moves away, this likelihood decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Jack Holmes, Vanity Fair, 23 June 2026
  • The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
    Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Everybody winced when Igor Tudor dragged Kinsky off the pitch after 17 minutes of Tottenham’s embarrassing defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
    Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • My father is a can-do, glass-half-full guy, a quality that has always felt like a rebuke of my own bleak world view, which makes the poor man literally wince.
    Sarah Miller, New Yorker, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Historically, after that period, the chances of survival without a water source diminish rapidly.
    Anabella González, CNN Money, 29 June 2026
  • Prolonged exposure to heat can lead to insufficient or poor sleep, compromising the immune system, increasing the risk for cardiovascular disease and diminishing cognitive performance.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Worried about the bra being too small and constricting?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 25 June 2026
  • The comfy, crisp white denim bottoms will add a stylish touch to any warm-weather look, and the smoothing, high waistband is flattering without feeling overly constricting.
    Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Markets recoiled for a moment, then kept climbing, the Nasdaq tripling before the decade was out.
    Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 June 2026
  • This faith caused the neocons to recoil in from the Obama administration’s 2015 nuclear deal with Iran.
    Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrink. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.

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