contract 1 of 2

Definition of contractnext

contract

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verb

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as in to bargain
to come to an arrangement as to a course of action the farmer contracted for delivery of the hay by the first of July

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of contract are compress, condense, constrict, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to contract?

In some situations, the words compress and contract are roughly equivalent. However, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would condense be a good substitute for contract?

Although the words condense and contract have much in common, 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 contract?

The words constrict and contract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can deflate take the place of contract?

While in some cases nearly identical to contract, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might shrink be a better fit than contract?

The synonyms shrink and contract are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 contract
Noun
Mohan praised the company’s effort to switch to a new business model focused on multiyear contracts in an attempt to prevent cyclical fluctuations in its revenue. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 20 June 2026 Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s federal contracts. Gautam Mukunda, Mercury News, 20 June 2026
Verb
Magnesium is a key electrolyte that helps keep the heart beating steady by regulating how the heart contracts. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 18 June 2026 For the Artemis program, NASA has contracted both SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop lunar landers. Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • In April, Anthropic was also hiring for a data center deal sourcing role in the country.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • Looking to shop more Prime Day deals?
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump reiterated that military action remains on the table if Iran does not comply with their agreement.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The Obama-era Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which requires presidents to submit agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program to Congress for approval, temporarily bars the president from waiving sanctions while lawmakers review.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • The Property Brothers star, 48, got candid about previously letting his work bleed too much into his home life, to the point where his 4-year-old son, Parker, started noticing.
    Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
  • The small island nation off the western coast of Africa, which is making its debut on soccer’s grandest stage, already held 2010 champion Spain to a 0-0 draw and then came from behind to get a 2-2 result against Uruguay.
    Kristie Rieken, AJC.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Questions about whether shrinking schools is a viable path forward could soon resurface as Hutchinson and the board’s most labor-friendly members — directors Valarie Bachelor and Jennifer Brouhard — go up for re-election in November.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
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
  • The measure could potentially pose a problem with collective bargaining because the governor’s administration is ostensibly bargaining on behalf of all agencies, said Tim Yeung, a public sector labor expert.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Lind’s ideal ignores what workers have actually bargained for in the United States, and what pro-worker social democracies already provide.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Restore notes prices vary by studio, so that figure is an example, not a guarantee.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
  • Still, the formula should be viewed as a guide rather than a guarantee.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The pact comes just two months after ReelShort launched its first major Southeast Asian partnership with Thailand’s AIS, as the company moves to build a broader regional presence through telecom and content collaborations.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 June 2026
  • Poland and Ukraine are using the event to finalize a new bilateral, intergovernmental pact designed to cover transport, energy, and logistics.
    Lidia Kurasinska, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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