Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

compress

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of compress

1 to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together

  • a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters
Synonyms of compress

capsule, capsulize, collapse, compact, condense, constrict, constringe, contract, narrow (down), squeeze, telescope
Words Related to compress

cram, crowd, jam, jam-pack, pack

abbreviate, abridge, curtail, shorten

boil down, downsize, shrink

concentrate, consolidate

simplify, streamline

decrease, diminish, lessen
Near Antonyms of compress

dilate, disperse, dissipate, scatter

distend, inflate, swell
Antonyms of compress

decompress, expand, open, outspread, outstretch

2 to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter

  • the substance can compress under pressure
Synonyms of compress

condense, constrict, contract, shrink
Words Related to compress

collapse, deflate, flatten

dry up, shrivel, wilt, wither

abate, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen

recede, retreat, withdraw
Near Antonyms of compress

accumulate, grow, increase

balloon, inflate, puff (up)
Antonyms of compress

balloon, expand, snowball, swell

Synonym Discussion of compress

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

Learn More about compress

  1. See words that rhyme with compress Dictionary: Definition of compress Medical Dictionary: Definition of compress Spanish Central: Translation of compress Nglish: Translation of compress for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of compress for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up compress? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games