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 This looming deadline has triggered a blitz of development, compressing years of growth into a sprint. Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025 The monitor measures 16 by 24 by 8.1 inches (HWD) compressed and reaches 20.3 inches when fully extended. PC Magazine, 5 Aug. 2025 Happily, there’s a counter movement on social media that celebrates rather than compresses round faces. Fiona Embleton, Glamour, 31 July 2025 Without new memories, days and week blur into each other and time feels compressed. Dr. Shaheena Janjuha-Jivraj, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    David Hochman, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Cloud droplets need aerosol particles to form because water needs something to condense on.
    Hayleigh Evans, AZCentral.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • However, prior estimates have varied widely, suggesting that thanks to faulting resulting from cooling, Mercury’s radius has shrunk by anywhere from about 1 to 7 kilometers.
    Sarah Stanley, Space.com, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Despite all the recent tech wealth and tech jobs and development growth, Seattle’s creative community has shrunken, a trend long predating COVID.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • To squeeze all this into exactly 100 days between Wrexham staging a promotion party after last season had ended and Tuesday’s cup tie against Hull is impressive.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Ewers was impressive finding A.J. Henning on one throw and squeezed a pass into a tight window to running back Ollie Gordon II.
    David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compress

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