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compressed 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of compressednext
as in compacted

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compressed

2 of 2

verb

past tense of compress
1
as in condensed
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shrank
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the substance can compress under pressure

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 compressed
Adjective
Inspect the weatherstripping for cracked, compressed or missing foam, vinyl or rubber seals. — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026 Over months or even years of nightly use, even a once-plush, supportive pillow can become compressed, lumpy, and uncomfortable. — Colleen Sullivan, Martha Stewart, 22 Aug. 2026
Verb
Wasn’t even a camcorder, but a video microphone which compressed it. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 8 Sep. 2026 Meanwhile, vessel traffic in the equally important Bab el Mandeb Strait, between the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa, was slightly compressed from the previous week. — Gordon Lubold, NBC news, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compressed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compressed
  1. compacted
  2. condensed
  3. shrank
  4. hardened
  5. squeezed
  6. constricted
  7. tempered
  8. packed
Adjective
  • National Geographic notes that dandelion roots can loosen compacted ground, improving aeration and reducing erosion.
    — Ryan Brennan May 1, Miami Herald, 1 May 2026
Definition of compacted
Verb
  • To remember also how extremely condensed this period of time is.
    — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The steam is then condensed back into water and reused in a closed cycle.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of condensed
Verb
  • But in 2021, Premier League clubs lost access to that exception and this shrunk the market by 95 per cent.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Hybrid work increased slightly while fully remote work shrank slightly; average remote hours slipped only from 27 to 26 hours over the measured period.
    — Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of shrank
Adjective
  • Amid statues and posters of the Virgen de Guadalupe was a rosary that a man had made of hardened bread during his months in an immigration detention facility.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • After spending 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread, Jean Valjean is being released a hardened man.
    — Leo Barraclough, Variety, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of hardened
Verb
  • Add in Braxton Berrios, the Giants’ punt returner and backup slot receiver, and that squeezed Slayton out.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Independent designers, once a discovery engine, were being squeezed, while the biggest brands put more investment into their own stores, creating a dichotomy in experiences that Bron felt was palpable.
    — Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of squeezed
Verb
  • The narrow hallways were constricted with people trying to escape the fire.
    — Saleh Mwanamilongo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026
  • This has further constricted trucking activity in and out of the port.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of constricted
Adjective
  • His comments are in stark contrast to some of the more tempered statements corporate CEOs have made about AI replacing human employees.
    — Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
  • Councilmember Jose Preciado took a more tempered view on the state’s position, and said the financing question should be separated from broader concerns about the project’s design.
    — Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2026
Definition of tempered
Verb
  • Regulars packed the bar to buy beer and prove that local support runs deeper than online hate.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026
  • The lineup is packed with powerful dramas, eye-opening documentaries, and imaginative animation and shorts that highlight diverse stories of culture, sense of place, and resilience.
    — Ashlyn Ware, Midwest Living, 15 Sep. 2026
Definition of packed

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Cite this Entry

“Compressed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compressed. Accessed 17 Sep. 2026.

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