condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s 

condensed; condensing

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact

especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

: to undergo condensation

condensable adjective

or less commonly condensible

kən-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl 

Synonyms

• compress
• constrict
• contract
• shrink

Choose the Right Synonym for condense

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of condense in a Sentence

The information is collected and then passed on to the CEO in condensed form.

The cooler temperatures cause the gas to condense into a liquid.

Moisture in the air condenses to form tiny drops of water.

Condense the milk by cooking it slowly.

Recent Examples on the Web

Interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Alex Ritman, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Sep. 2023

This interview was edited and condensed for clarity. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2023

Edelstein has condensed the three plays into two and is focusing on the characters’ quest to achieve power at any cost, and how that single-minded purpose can lead to chaos, violence and anarchy. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2023

Hot peppers can be turned up a notch and become intolerably hot for everyday consumers when their oils are condensed into an extract, said hot pepper competition winner Kelly Myers, of Leighton, Pennsylvania. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 7 Sep. 2023

The entire geological history of the canyon, for example, condensed in eight pages, and could be readily understood. —Wade Davis, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2023

While the timeline has been condensed and some characters are fictionalized, the film largely adheres to Mardenborough’s experiences. —Emily Zemler, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2023

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity from two conversations. —David Marchese David Marchese Photograph By Mamadi Doumbouya, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2023

The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin condensare, from com- + densare to make dense, from densus dense

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s 

condensed; condensing

1

: to make or become more close, compact, concise, or dense : concentrate

condense a paragraph into a sentence

2

: to change from a less dense to a denser form

steam condenses into water

Medical Definition

condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s 

condensed; condensing

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact

especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo condensation

2

: to become visibly dense or more compact

the chromosomes condense during prophase

condensable

-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl 

adjective