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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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
The space is shallow and compressed, like a theater set, and details are few and deliberate. — Leah Ollman, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026 That gap matters far more now that the premiums have compressed, and in many cases inverted. — Sean Stein Smith, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 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
  • The resulting vapor leaves its salt behind and can then be condensed into fresh water using the available cold-water stream.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This conversation has been edited and condensed for concision and clarity.
    — Hok-hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of condensed
Verb
  • Other brands have simply shrunk their bottles, the better to transport them in your pocket, around your neck, attached to your key chain or perhaps on a chatelaine around your waist.
    — Chloe Schama, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Washington — The unemployment gap between young high school graduates and their counterparts who obtained a bachelor’s degree or higher has shrunk steadily over the past few years in a sign of structural shifts happening in the US economy.
    — Bryan Mena, CNN Money, 1 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
  • America’s aging farmers have been holding on to machinery for longer than usual as low crop prices and rising costs squeezed their finances.
    — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Officials said the bears appeared to have squeezed through a 1-foot-wide opening in the concrete structure (likely seeking water during hot, humid weather) and then couldn’t get back out.
    — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 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
  • Matson testified that Paul Robinson visited to the fraternity house two days after his son posted bail, then drove with Matson to retrieve the safe while his son packed at the fraternity house.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Best Gear Deals From sleeping comfortably under the stars to enjoying a hot cup of coffee at sunrise, the right gear can elevate any camping trip, and REI’s sale is packed with worthwhile upgrades.
    — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 3 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 7 Sep. 2026.

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