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 Both halves zip shut, unlike many suitcases, which either have a zippered divider on only one side or rely solely on compression pads, leaving items partially exposed. — Morgan Ashley Parker, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026 In the past, when the gap was this wide, including 2000, Ben-David said the spread closed through earnings disappointments, multiple compression or both. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 10 July 2026 But this has an urgency and a compression of timelines that feels genuinely new. — Tim Bajarin, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026 Add compression boots for $500 to $1,000, a massage gun for $150 to $500 and a red light therapy panel for $300 to $1,500, and the price climbs quickly. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 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
  • However, Ars Technica has suggested that contractions in the Russian economy led to very recent changes in the country's laws for space advertising that could lead to more examples like this.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 17 July 2026
  • But the contraction also follows one of the most extraordinary expansionary periods in the industry’s history.
    — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Allow the book to come back to room temperature while still sealed to prevent condensation, which could cause mold or mildew.
    — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
  • The drain pan is intended to catch any condensation and moisture produced by the air conditioner.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 10 July 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • Participants sit with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and perform a brief maximal squeeze on the handle with each hand.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • Finished with a squeeze of fresh lime, a hint of sea salt and subtle notes of hibiscus.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office on Thursday defended its decision to sue Kansas City over a contracting program using a plaintiff who had pleaded guilty to paying bribes for contracts years ago.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The live capture was filmed in London’s West End, where costs are lower, but where there’s also a different contracting set up, so that all cast members leave and start at the same time.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 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 25 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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