compaction

noun

com·​pac·​tion kəm-ˈpak-shən 

käm-

: the act or process of compacting : the state of being compacted

Synonyms of compaction

• compression
• squeezing
• condensing
• condensation
• contraction

Examples of compaction in a Sentence

the compaction of a complex topic into a short article means that a lot of niceties are going to get crushed

Recent Examples on the Web

In lawns, core aeration can help relieve compaction. —Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 21 Mar. 2026

Members of the Georgia Arborist Association spread mulch around the base of each trunk to reduce soil compaction caused by competitors and judges, provided soil care, and, for this tree, threw in a growth regulator as well. —Calin Van Paris, Outside, 19 Mar. 2026

Wet soil is also prone to compaction from the weight of the mower, which may leave ruts in the yard. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Organic materials commonly added to potting soil, such as peat moss and bark, break down, leading to compaction, poor drainage, and reduced aeration. —Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 3 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for compaction

• abstraction
• attraction
• contraction
• detraction
• diffraction
• distraction
• exaction
• extraction
• impaction
• inaction
• infraction
• olfaction