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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contraction
The couple recounted pulling into the parking lot at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles as Bellisario started to experience intense contractions.
—
Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
That said, this contraction will not be evenly distributed.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Sometimes communication requires contraction, and that may mean just not saying it at all.
—Glenn Kurlander, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The development is a stunning contraction of what appeared to be one of Connecticut’s most promising restaurant businesses just two years ago.
—Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
That said, this contraction will not be evenly distributed.
—Peter Bendor-Samuel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
Sometimes communication requires contraction, and that may mean just not saying it at all.
—Glenn Kurlander, Fortune, 28 Jan. 2026
The development is a stunning contraction of what appeared to be one of Connecticut’s most promising restaurant businesses just two years ago.
—Mark Maglio, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
Shares are battling multiple compression as investors grow less willing to pay a premium for each dollar of earnings.—
Natasha Abellard,
CNBC,
30 Jan. 2026
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This is precisely what has occurred with SAP—multiple compression.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Hassan’s team instead squeezed a photon’s intensity and demonstrated real-time control, fluctuating between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the silica’s position relative to the beams.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Public Health staff warned that anyone at the restaurant on that date and time may be at risk of contracting measles 7-21 days after exposure.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
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The Senate Appropriations Committee amended the bill to remove the authority’s goal of 15% participation by minority businesses and 5% participation from women’s businesses to participate in the procurement and contracting process.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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If the water heater regularly makes sizzling sounds, this is likely due to internal condensation, which is a sign that the tank may have a leak.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
28 Jan. 2026
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Bringing frozen devices into warm, humid environments can cause internal condensation and ruin circuits.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For dressing, squeeze garlic cloves from bulb into a large bowl; mash with the back of a spoon until smooth.—
Jenavieve Christensen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
31 Jan. 2026
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The funding squeeze has already forced the United Nations to tighten spending across several agencies.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Their mid-rise waistband means no tummy constriction, and the loose legs offer plenty of room to trounce around the terminal without feeling cramped.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Then came the explosion of streamers followed by a constriction.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Jan. 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 6 Feb. 2026.
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