Synonyms of compress

compress

verb

kəm-ˈpres 

1

as in to condense

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together

a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters

Synonyms & Similar Words

• condense
• squeeze
• consolidate
• constrict
• pack
• compact
• cram
• narrow (down)
• simplify
• capsule
• collapse
• capsulize
• shorten
• telescope
• constringe
• contract
• shrink
• curtail
• abridge
• abbreviate
• downsize
• decrease
• boil down
• concentrate
• streamline
• jam
• jam-pack
• diminish
• lessen
• crowd

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expand
• decompress
• open
• outspread
• disperse
• dilate
• dissipate
• scatter
• inflate
• swell
• outstretch
• distend

2

as in to shrink

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter

the substance can compress under pressure

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shrink
• condense
• constrict
• decrease
• collapse
• flatten
• contract
• withdraw
• diminish
• lessen
• dry up
• wilt
• wither
• retreat
• recede
• deflate
• shrivel
• dwindle
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expand
• increase
• swell
• grow
• accumulate
• inflate
• balloon
• snowball
• puff (up)
• balloon

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

Recent Examples of compress

Unlike beads, Durafoam evenly absorbs body weight and won’t compress over time. —Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2025

Still, there’s a long way to go to match bats, which can contract and compress their muscles to listen only to certain echoes and can detect something as small as a human hair from several meters away. —Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2025

Lower policy rates relieve pressure on floating-rate borrowers and can compress credit spreads before earnings estimates move. —Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 29 Oct. 2025

What’s in the air On most commercial jets, outside air is compressed and heated by the engine before it’s routed into the cabin. —Charlotte Observer, 29 Oct. 2025