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
Even while today, the craft’s quotidian presence isn’t as widely felt, for now, the danger seems less about the wholesale disappearance of the craft than its gradual contraction.
—
Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
The directors join the latest edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast to explore how Graham changed the world’s conception of dance, emphasizing the torso, contraction and release over the extended line favored by traditional choreographers.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 June 2026
For deeper recovery, the $899 Normatec 3 Legs Compression Boots used by professional athletes between games fill with air and deflate in sequence to mimic muscle contractions, boost circulation and reduce swelling.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports strong bones and teeth, muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Catherine Tansey, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 June 2026
The directors join the latest edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast to explore how Graham changed the world’s conception of dance, emphasizing the torso, contraction and release over the extended line favored by traditional choreographers.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 16 June 2026
For deeper recovery, the $899 Normatec 3 Legs Compression Boots used by professional athletes between games fill with air and deflate in sequence to mimic muscle contractions, boost circulation and reduce swelling.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 15 June 2026
Calcium is an essential mineral that supports strong bones and teeth, muscle contractions, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
—Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 15 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
The invisible variable in every hit is compression.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
19 June 2026
-
When the full green hydrogen chain is included, from electricity generation to hydrogen production, compression, transport, and conversion, the final well-to-wheel efficiency can fall closer to 20–30 percent.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
16 June 2026
Noun
-
So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
-
Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Their victory comes despite the best efforts of Noah Scanlon (Colin Firth), the head of the government contracting group Wardex, who has attempted to keep the existence of aliens hidden from the public.—
Wesley Stenzel,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 June 2026
-
The risk of a human contracting the disease is higher for people experiencing homelessness or living in a space with rats or animal urine, per the CDC.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
Leaks and condensation need to be addressed by a professional since mold can cause health problems.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
20 June 2026
-
These walls are there to prevent condensation from leaking out and food and drinks from sliding off.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
19 June 2026
Noun
-
With one out in the sixth and Nick Loftin at third, Tolbert twice failed to get down safety-squeeze bunts.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
20 June 2026
-
However, the Jazz could still feel a financial squeeze beginning in 2027-28 with Markkanen and Jackson on near-max contracts and both Kessler and George on hefty new deals of their own.—
Bryan Toporek,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Noun
-
Contrasting her with the meek, mysterious, and passive Anthy, the series examines the constrictions both men and women face via traditional gender roles, with an eye towards gender fluidity that remains radical today.—
Wilson Chapman,
IndieWire,
12 June 2026
-
With all the news on declining alcohol consumption and the constriction of craft beer, McEfee is optimistic Balance will have its place.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 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 24 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
