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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 It’s been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025 This interview has been translated, condensed, and edited for clarity. María Mérida, Glamour, 2 Oct. 2025 This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Dominique Mosbergen, Time, 2 Oct. 2025 The below conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • When that happens, the refrigerant evaporates and gets compressed at a very high pressure–typically several hundred pounds per square inch.
    Sara Kiley Watson, Popular Science, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Still, crossing 200% is unusual and underscores future returns may be lower if multiples compress or growth cools, echoing Buffett’s long-standing preference for value and margin of safety.
    Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Reds squeezed into the third wild-card slot for their first playoff appearance in five years.
    Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Some people who have bought homes in the last few years feel squeezed by monthly payments that leave little cash left over.
    Brittney Melton, NPR, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • To reduce the risk of mosquito bites and West Nile virus, health officials recommend using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially during peak mosquito activity at dawn and dusk.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Autos Are an Economic Anchor China’s bold move into electric vehicles began in 2009 as a top-down policy to compete with foreign automakers, cut air pollution and reduce oil imports.
    Rebecca A. Fannin, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This year’s version was probably the hardest so far because of a continually shrinking talent discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots on the back end.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the outlets that still publish criticism have shrunk coverage or shifted toward fuzzier features that approach literature as little more than a lifestyle choice.
    David L. Ulin, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the sale of hemp and cannabinoids extracted from it, like THCA, delta-8, HHC, THCV and CBD.
    Gina Lee Castro, jsonline.com, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The best movies extract emotions from us, and watching the most objectionable material in Waters’ masterpiece from 1972 can feel like trying to hold puke back behind your eyeballs.
    Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After his extensive worldwide tour in 2024, Combs has concentrated on playing festivals this year and is the first country artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.
    Melinda Newman, Billboard, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Ferrari said concentrating tests on the track will move activity off public roads and ease local traffic problems.
    Laura Contemori, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Officials urge residents to take precautions like using insect repellent and removing standing water.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Yet, Barclays’ Venkateshwar expects the environment will likely get more difficult for the wireless carrier in the future, as the entire sector deals with elevated churn — the pace at which customers are added and removed.
    Sarah Min, CNBC, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.

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