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as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word condense different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, 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 condense This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 10 Oct. 2025 The following interview has been condensed for length and clarity. Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 10 Oct. 2025 These electron pairs condense into a macroscopic state, which can be described by a collective phase variable shared by all its microscopic constituents. Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • And the extreme pressure and friction of the move compresses the air molecules in front of Starship, creating a glowing plasma that is the signature of the stretch of flight known as reentry.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Some corporate margins, which have proven remarkably resilient, could compress if demand softens.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Freeman took rookie Chad Patrick deep for the first Dodgers run, and his teammates squeezed a second run out of Brewers closer Abner Uribe in the ninth.
    Andy McCullough, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Nara announced the cute name in a post on her Instagram showing little Fawnie curled up in soft blankets, along with a video clip squeezing her tiny hand.
    Sarah Scott, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Now, many employers are looking to harness the power of AI—initially for mundane and repetitive tasks and eventually for more complicated jobs—to reduce the need to maintain the same level of human staffers on their payrolls.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • And drivers can reduce the risk of their cars being hit.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In previous Fortune coverage of inflation’s long tail, consumers’ coping tactics have included trading down brands, shrinking baskets, delaying car repairs, and leaning on credit cards.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Their numbers, however, have been shrinking as affordability weighs heavily on them, influencing milestone decisions like moving out of the family households.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Rare earth elements, essential for everything from superconductors to optical fibers, are difficult to extract and even harder to recycle efficiently.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Summarize, translate, and extract answers from long documents in seconds.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • These concerns stem from high levels of speculative investment—totaling hundreds of billions of dollars—in artificial intelligence with few manifest payoffs, as well as the market’s top-heavy structure, with significant value concentrated in a handful of AI-bullish tech stocks.
    Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • In a dressing room, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end concentrates while practicing carrying his then-girlfriend during the Tortured Poets Department section of the three-hour show, with the scene cutting to the couple re-enacting it in full costume on stage.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Crews have made progress removing hazardous materials and explosives from the massive scene, according to Jamey VanVliet, special agent in charge with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ Nashville Field Division.
    Isabel Rosales, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Trump ultimately activated the National Guard and federal agents later in August to deter crime, clear homeless encampments, and remove trash in public areas.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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