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

Many of the major studios and streamers are headquartered in Los Angeles, which makes the contraction in production jobs more painful. — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 2 Nov. 2026

Fox’s contraction and MS NOW’s growth were even more pronounced among 25- to 54-year-old viewers. — Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 2 Nov. 2026

Instead, lymph moves through a combination of muscle contractions, breathing, and the action of valves within lymphatic vessels. — Marie Bladt, Vogue, 1 Nov. 2026

Together, these findings suggest that the fungus may alter the machinery controlling muscle contraction rather than simply destroying it. — Tara Deans, The Conversation, 30 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.