compress

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of compress are condense, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," 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 compress?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of compress?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When could contract be used to replace compress?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress, 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 compress?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When would shrink be a good substitute for compress?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. However, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

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 compress As more and more bodies compress into each other, the risk of falling and being trampled increases exponentially. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 10 June 2025 The chapters on her years as Prime Minister are compressed into a straightforward recounting of events. Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025 Bright, reddish flashes of light can arise when fast-moving meteors strike the atmosphere at tens of thousands of miles per hour, compressing the air in front of them. Anthony Wood, Space.com, 31 May 2025 This shift is forcing merchants to rethink their strategies, as AI agents can now compress browsing, selection, and checkout into a single conversation. Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 25 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
Verb
  • This interview was conducted in Korean and has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Regina Kim, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Because of rising wage inequality, more and more earnings have become concentrated above this tax limit and the tax base for Social Security has shrunk as a result, as my colleagues and I already discussed about a decade ago.
    Christian Weller, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • That means that as intimate partner violence increases, the resources for women affected by it are shrinking.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • Paul Blackburn, with plenty of starting experience for Oakland, could squeeze into the picture too – especially if the Mets decide to try a six-man rotation that would save wear and tear on each man.
    Dan Schlossberg, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • When pancake is ready to flip, squeeze the cinnamon mixture into a swirl shape on top of the pancake batter, pressing the tip of the bag slightly into the batter.
    Elizabeth Nelson, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compress

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