compression

noun

kəm-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce compression (audio)
Definition of compressionnext
as in squeezing
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 compression The software also includes PDF editing, form creation, password protection, compression, page management, annotations, and batch processing tools. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 30 June 2026 What has not yet been built at scale are the deep liquidity pools that would make that cost compression real. — Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 The medical examiner’s report cited the struggle involving pepper spray, restraint, chest compressions, asthma and blunt trauma in the cause of death. — Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 27 June 2026 On April 7, Wright underwent a lumbar microdiscectomy to treat the spinal cord compression, and her recovery involved eight weeks of no bending, twisting, lifting or driving. — Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for compression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compression
  1. squeezing
  2. contraction
  3. condensation
  4. squeeze
  5. contracting
  6. constriction
Noun
  • Matt Hooper’s squeezing of the Styrofoam cup in answer to Shaw’s squeezing of the beer can was something that actually happened.
    — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Definition of squeezing
Noun
  • Director-level and above roles continued to show relative strength, growing faster than the broader market, while junior and mid-level hiring recovered only after prior contraction.
    — Michael Wright, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • The National Bureau of Economic Research dates the contraction that began in 1929 as ending in March 1933, though the broader Depression lasted for years and the economy suffered another severe recession in 1937-38 before World War II.
    — Dan Mangan,Luke Fountain,Kevin Breuninger,Garrett Downs,Ashley Capoot,Justin Papp, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • The result blurs the line between shimmer and velvet-matte, and looks like condensation fogging up a glass.
    — Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 July 2026
  • What this ear of his allows, along with his cruelty in using it, is a drastic condensation of the Platonic method for depicting a dinner party.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 July 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • The offer comes amid a period of stress for the global aviation sector, as airlines navigate a jet fuel squeeze caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
    — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 6 July 2026
  • In addition to tilt and pressure sensitivity, the Apple Pencil Pro adds squeeze and delete functions to the palette, along with a new barrel roll gesture and haptic vibrational feedback.
    — Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 6 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • Based on a Facebook page for Mora’s contracting business, the real estate company only flipped one other property aside from Evangelista’s home.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026
  • Musk and his companies have become increasingly important players in Republican politics and federal contracting.
    — Luke Fountain,Justin Papp, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • Vanja recognized that the fitness industry’s focus on repetitive, linear movements actively contributes to physical constriction and chronic injury.
    — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

compressing
compression
comprise
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Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compression. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on compression

Nglish: Translation of compression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compression

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