compress

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compress different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of compress are condense, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When might condense be a better fit than compress?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of compress?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When could contract be used to replace compress?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

In what contexts can deflate take the place of compress?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When would shrink be a good substitute for compress?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. However, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of compress Government welfare programs further compress differences. Daniel Waldenstrom, Foreign Affairs, 19 May 2025 Sometimes, these muscles can compress nerves, which can further contribute to burning. Cheyenne Buckingham, SELF, 13 May 2025 The downstream impact of the maximum fair price will only compress them even further. Dan McCarty, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2025 The interstellar medium in our Milky Way galaxy is magnetic, can be compressed, and is turbulent. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • This interview was condensed for length and clarity by Ashoka.
    Ashoka, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • First, Musk taking on the president so publicly could further shrink the car maker’s customer base by angering Trump backers.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 6 June 2025
  • The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but the workforce shrank by 625,000 people.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Hundreds of people squeezed into the Jewish Community Center in Boulder, Colo., for a vigil that featured prayer, singing and emotional testimony from a victim and witnesses of the firebombing attack in the city’s downtown, after a federal judge blocked the deportation of the suspect’s family.
    Colleen Slevin, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
  • In some towns, utility poles were removed so the caravans could squeeze through.
    Angela Jackson, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compress

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