contraction

noun

kən-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce contraction (audio)
Definition of contractionnext
as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing most substances undergo contraction when cooled

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 contraction Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, supports muscle contractions, and keeps heart rhythm steady. — Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026 Bone health is the benefit most people associate with calcium, but calcium is also essential for muscle contraction, nerve transmission, normal blood clotting, and more. — Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 30 June 2026 These tests evaluated how the hardware, seals, and fluid flow handle extreme thermal contraction and the intense temperature differences between the freezing propellant and the coupler materials. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 30 June 2026 Rapid oscillations trigger muscle contractions that can indirectly support lymph movement. — Allison Palmer, Kansas City Star, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
  1. compression
  2. squeezing
  3. contracting
  4. condensation
  5. squeeze
  6. constriction
Noun
  • In the past, when the gap was this wide, including 2000, Ben-David said the spread closed through earnings disappointments, multiple compression or both.
    — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 10 July 2026
  • But this has an urgency and a compression of timelines that feels genuinely new.
    — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
Definition of compression
Noun
  • Matt Hooper’s squeezing of the Styrofoam cup in answer to Shaw’s squeezing of the beer can was something that actually happened.
    — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Definition of squeezing
Noun
  • In the process, longstanding federal contracting controls were set aside, no-bid contracts were awarded, and superficial cosmetic work was performed that staff warned would have to be redone.
    — Harrison Jacobs, ARTnews.com, 13 July 2026
  • Based on a Facebook page for Mora’s contracting business, the real estate company only flipped one other property aside from Evangelista’s home.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • The drain pan is intended to catch any condensation and moisture produced by the air conditioner.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 10 July 2026
  • If a bag has condensation inside, that’s often a sign the tortillas were packaged while still warm—a good indicator of freshness.
    — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 July 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • One household’s squeeze may look nothing like its neighbor’s, but trace each far enough back and the same few fractures are doing the work.
    — Phil Mattingly, CNN Money, 16 July 2026
  • Income squeeze Reflecting the two-speed growth in labor market, workers at companies with overseas revenue were more upbeat about their job prospects than those at domestically focused firms, according to Morgan Stanley.
    — Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 15 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • Vanja recognized that the fitness industry’s focus on repetitive, linear movements actively contributes to physical constriction and chronic injury.
    — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

contracting (for)
contraction
contracts
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on contraction

Nglish: Translation of contraction for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All