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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 conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity. Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity. EW.com, 19 June 2025 The interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity. Eric James Beyer, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2025 This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 27 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • In theory, this could help spotlight Alto Adige’s remarkable vineyard diversity - granite slopes, volcanic porphyry, glacial moraines - all compressed into just under 6,000 hectares of fragmented vineyards, layered across extreme altitudes.
    Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Burnout is a potential trade-off If your workload is heavy, compressing it into fewer days can backfire.
    Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • Kalvin Phillips squeezes a pass through the gap and into Omari Hutchinson, taking three Forest players out of the game.
    Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
  • Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.
    Christine Pelisek, People.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.
    Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Choose looser fits that reduce the pressure on your hair follicles.
    Mark Gurarie, Health, 14 July 2025
Verb
  • The good news is that the potential to compound one’s wealth grows by the day as the world shrinks by the day through commercial advances that reach greater and greater numbers of people.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • Since Captain Cook had first arrived on the island, in 1769, measles, pneumonia, influenza, and syphilis had shrunk the population from around two hundred thousand to eight thousand.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Also featured are Alta Resource Technologies, using computational biochemistry to extract critical minerals like neodymium and gallium from e-waste, and Tidal Metals, which is pioneering magnesium extraction from seawater through a novel vapor adsorption system.
    Felicia Jackson, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Among the chaos is Rupert Friend, playing Martin Krebs, who's assembling a group to take to the scene of the devastation in hopes of extracting DNA from the creatures roaming the island to fund his next medical breakthrough.
    Billie Melissa, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Intoxicating cannabinoids typically refer to compounds concentrated from hemp that cause marijuana-like effects and are unregulated in Arizona.
    Ray Stern, AZCentral.com, 6 July 2025
  • Lime kilns concentrated in Santa Cruz County, and another site was found in El Dorado County.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Why are passengers required to remove their shoes at security checkpoints?
    Diana Leyva, The Tennessean, 8 July 2025
  • Earlier this year, Republican lawmakers introduced legislation to remove the Johnson Amendment.
    Fatima Hussein, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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