as in squeezing
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing
the constant constricting of the animal's throat had caused permanent damage
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in shrinking
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter
the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compressing
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together
constricted the opening with a clamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 constricting
Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025
Its space is at once endless and constricting.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Wildlife art can be confining, constricting, customary; contemporary artists are assuring its survival and vibrancy by breaking from the traditional.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
All the while, opportunities for renewable energy development — which could quickly alleviate some of the pain from electric bills and electricity demand from new industry — are constricting across the state.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 20 Oct. 2025
Remove jewelry or constricting clothing quickly, before any swelling begins.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Relationships that feel financially or emotionally constricting may feel harder to ignore now.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Sep. 2025
This one is made from ultra-soft mulberry silk that’s lightweight and breathable, and the pull-on style is free of constricting zippers and buttons but has adjustable straps for an ideal fit.
—Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
With the funding environment rapidly constricting, many nonprofits may consider mergers or acquisitions to consolidate and deliver services more efficiently, enabling mission-critical work to continue at a lower cost.
—Andrea Levere, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The silhouette of Gomez’s dress was formfitting without being constricting, emphasizing slight movement and fabric mobility.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Cities also have lot size minimums constricting the number of homes that can be built, speakers said.
—Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
Toddlers and babies especially might especially appreciate a break from their constricting seat, and a change in scenery, by talking a walk up and down the aisles with mom or dad.
—Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025
Its space is at once endless and constricting.
—Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025
Wildlife art can be confining, constricting, customary; contemporary artists are assuring its survival and vibrancy by breaking from the traditional.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025
Verb
The tensions are mounting and the room for error is constricting.
—Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
All the while, opportunities for renewable energy development — which could quickly alleviate some of the pain from electric bills and electricity demand from new industry — are constricting across the state.
—Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 20 Oct. 2025
Remove jewelry or constricting clothing quickly, before any swelling begins.
—Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025
Relationships that feel financially or emotionally constricting may feel harder to ignore now.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Sep. 2025
This one is made from ultra-soft mulberry silk that’s lightweight and breathable, and the pull-on style is free of constricting zippers and buttons but has adjustable straps for an ideal fit.
—Shea Simmons, PEOPLE, 23 Sep. 2025
With the funding environment rapidly constricting, many nonprofits may consider mergers or acquisitions to consolidate and deliver services more efficiently, enabling mission-critical work to continue at a lower cost.
—Andrea Levere, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
The silhouette of Gomez’s dress was formfitting without being constricting, emphasizing slight movement and fabric mobility.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Cities also have lot size minimums constricting the number of homes that can be built, speakers said.
—Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricting
Noun
-
Hassan’s team instead squeezed a photon’s intensity and demonstrated real-time control, fluctuating between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the silica’s position relative to the beams.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
In the second quarter, while many fast-food rivals reported shrinking sales, Taco Bell reported same-store sales growth of 4%.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
24 Oct. 2025
-
But shrinking pixels isn’t simple.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The mass on the ovary can also push onto the urinary system, compressing your bladder and creating a feeling of having to urinate constantly.—
Jocelyn Solis-Moreira,
Flow Space,
27 Oct. 2025
-
Within the first four minutes, there was a classic example of Dortmund compressing the pitch immediately to win the ball back, losing it, and then winning it again through Gundogan’s relentless running.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Spanx Supersmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Micro Flare Pant Speaking of smoothing, these dress pants have compression from waist to knee and a subtle flare leg — like your favorite yoga pants but office appropriate.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Daviet died of cardiorespiratory failure with signs of asphyxiation and cervical compression, according to the police prosecutor’s statement.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
And while the 3rd gen also requires the separate Nest app, the 4th gen offers full functionality and control in the Google Home app, condensing all of your smart home devices into one hub.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The curriculum was meant to make up for lost learning by condensing two academic years into one, having students focus on just the core content of each subject.—
Ghada Abdulfattah,
The Atlantic,
23 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Physical changes which happen during menopause that have to do with dilation or constriction of the blood vessels and impact body temperature are known as vasomotor symptoms.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The receptors control constriction and dilation in the smooth muscle fibers in the walls of these blood vessels.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
After a round of layoffs in September, Benioff said AI is decreasing his need for customer support staff.—
Aman Kidwai,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Oct. 2025
-
When women undergo perimenopause or menopause, decreasing estrogen levels put them at greater risk of heart disease.—
Sandra Rose Salathe,
Flow Space,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Jacobson tells us what conclusions emerged from the forum about how to rebuild in the face of defunding and a contracting market in general for documentaries.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The effort has also faced criticism over transparency after reports revealed that more than 2,000 people involved were required to sign nondisclosure agreements, limiting public access to spending and contracting details.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constricting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricting. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share