Synonyms of contraction

contraction

noun

kən-ˈtrak-shən 

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

• compression
• squeezing
• contracting
• condensing
• condensation
• squeeze
• constriction
• consolidation
• compaction
• telescoping
• constricting
• concentration
• compacting
• curtailment
• shortening
• abbreviation
• abridgment
• decreasing
• streamlining
• simplification
• lessening
• diminishment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansion
• dispersion
• decompression
• inflation
• scattering
• dissipation
• dilation
• swelling
• distension

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of contraction

Potassium supports fluid balance and muscle contraction and is part of an eating pattern associated with healthy blood pressure. — Jo Ann Liguori, Flow Space, 12 Oct. 2026

Flex your calves often Weight-bearing physical activity of any sort supports blood flow in the legs because of how muscular contractions help the veins push blood toward the heart, Jimenez said. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 10 Oct. 2026

Anxiety over supply contractions in the Gulf of Mexico rapidly transmitted to energy markets, with international crude oil futures closing sharply higher in overnight trading. — CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026

That role now means navigating industry contraction and uncertainty and ensuring Hollywood producers keep coming to Ontario for tax credits, local talent and varied locations. — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026

Video

On Contractions of Multiple Words

Everyone knows contractions like didn't and would've, but what about more complicated ones? Editor Serenity Carr takes a look at situations where as many as five words can be contracted at the same time.

Transcript:

You're probably familiar with regular contractions made with two words like you'd and didn't. And you've probably even used contractions with three words like she'd've and wouldn't've. I'd've thought they'd've been familiar to you and you wouldn't've been surprised to hear them.

But can we contract more than three words? More than four? You'dn't've guessed they're possible, but they are. Many are dialectal or regional. Y'all'll've heard them from Southerners in places like Texas or Georgia, where they'dn't've thought twice about using them. We could've guessed at more, but at some point y'all'dn't've been able to understand them anyway.