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
The airline confirmed a passenger on flight 478 started to have contractions while still in the air on the way to Oregon.
—
Irene Wright, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The contraction within the core muscles is exactly the same engagement that happens during core-stabilization training.
—Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
This method is modeled after biological systems, specifically human muscles, where proteins slide past one another to cause contraction.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
For the World Bank, a global recession amounts to a contraction in global per capita GDP; while the IMF considers GDP growth below 2% sufficient to warrant the label of a recession.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Irene Wright, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026
The contraction within the core muscles is exactly the same engagement that happens during core-stabilization training.
—Matt Parrott, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2026
This method is modeled after biological systems, specifically human muscles, where proteins slide past one another to cause contraction.
—Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Apr. 2026
For the World Bank, a global recession amounts to a contraction in global per capita GDP; while the IMF considers GDP growth below 2% sufficient to warrant the label of a recession.
—Max Zahn, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
If damp places are unavoidable, try compression or vacuum bags and a plastic bin with a lid.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
1 May 2026
-
The synthetic fiber is derived from petrochemicals and must meet high-performance standards for activewear and compression.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Footwear News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
But for all its utility, ordinary squeezing is a relatively simple, second-order effect.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 May 2026
-
Concacaf is not the only confederation squeezing games into FIFA windows around the club calendar.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Competitive bidding and eliminating wasteful contracting practices free up resources that can be redirected to frontline work.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
-
In 2022, Sachanowicz voted with a 5-3 board majority to support a plan for faculty contracting that did not include a tenure-track option.—
Scott Huddleston,
San Antonio Express-News,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
His favorite example is capturing condensation from air conditioners, typically by placing a bucket under outdoor drainpipes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
-
And Surfaces Wood soaks up moisture like a sponge, but condensation will cling to the paint on cement walls.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Peters executed a safety squeeze later in the inning, bringing in Antonacci to extend the Sox lead to 4-0.—
LaMond Pope,
Chicago Tribune,
3 May 2026
-
An 81% compression of the household margin is a historic squeeze.—
Katica Roy,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Noun
-
While Gold concurred that the ports will not be significantly impacted by the Iran war, the rising fuel costs due to the constriction of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could eventually effect retailers and consumers.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Lungs Starting at around 9,000 feet, your lungs may begin to swell due to a constriction of blood vessels, which can cause fluid to leak and accumulate.—
Brad Stulberg,
Outside,
26 Mar. 2026
Video
On Contractions of Multiple Words
You all would not have guessed some of these
Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
