compressed

adjective

com·​pressed kəm-ˈprest 

also ˈkäm-ˌprest

1

: pressed together : reduced in size or volume (as by pressure)

2

: flattened as though subjected to compression:

a

: flattened laterally

petioles compressed

b

: narrow from side to side and deep in a dorsoventral direction

compressedly

kəm-ˈprest-lē  -ˈpre-səd-lē 

adverb

Examples of compressed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Such deadlines lend themselves to compressed frenzies of activity. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026

CEOs are expected to create significant value in compressed timeframes, meet aggressive growth targets, and navigate a minefield of internal and external pressures. —Samantha Allison, Harvard Business Review, 9 Apr. 2026

If your potting mix is extremely dry or compressed, lightly soak and drain it to ensure even rehydration before use. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 8 Apr. 2026

The post stands as a compressed piece of social commentary, using pop culture shorthand to underline how little—at least on the surface—seems to have changed. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing compressed

• compressed air

Rhymes for compressed

• acquiesced
• coalesced
• dispossessed
• manifest
• overdressed
• overstressed
• prepossessed
• reassessed
• reinvest
• repossessed
• unaddressed
• uncompressed