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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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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 The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 8 May 2025 This interview has been edited and condensed from two conversations. David Marchese, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Websites like Ethical Consumer have done some of the legwork here to condense this information into score tables for devices like laptops and smartphones. Simon Hill, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2025 This conversation has been edited and condensed for publication. H. Alan Scott, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • The interstellar medium in our Milky Way galaxy is magnetic, can be compressed, and is turbulent.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
  • So much fresh spinach done for you, cooked down and compressed for you.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Custom Container Living View 8 Images Custom Container Living has transformed a shipping container into an ultra-compact tiny house that squeezes a home for two into just 160 sq ft (14.8 sq m).
    Adam Williams May 08, New Atlas, 8 May 2025
  • Auto dealers, squeezed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on the industry, are already seeing a tighter supply of vehicles to offer buyers at a time when sticker prices for many models are set to climb. Pine Belt Subaru in Lakewood, New Jersey, normally receives 100 to 120 cars a month.
    Brian Cheung, NBC news, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • An estimate from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said the proposals would reduce the number of people with health care by at least 7.6 million from the Medicaid changes, and possibly more with other changes to the Affordable Care Act.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Another question has to do with the probiotics themselves: Can all probiotic supplements reduce negative feelings, or is there something specific about these nine bacteria included in the study?
    Simon Spichak, Health, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Though East Contra Costa has been the hub of refinery activities in Northern California, the number of jobs in the remaining refineries was limited, and had been shrinking in the past decade.
    Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
  • In fact, Hele offers a shortening kit that shrinks the platform down to 5.5 feet (1.7 m), aiming for the most universal vehicle fit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Royalty rates paid by companies to extract oil, gas and coal would be cut, reversing Biden’s attempts to curb fossil fuels to help address climate change.
    Kevin Freking, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Like a professional, Blue Ivy carefully extracted the hair from her earring as swiftly as possible, even hitting a few moves with her while sorting out the wardrobe malfunction.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • What Smart Investors Should Watch Investors who prioritize signals over noise should concentrate on pressure points instead of headlines.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 19 May 2025
  • Solar thermal setups capture the Sun's heat rather than its light, use reflectors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver, and convert solar radiation directly into heat energy.
    Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Walmart has removed self checkout machines in some locations, including in Shrewbury, Missouri and Cleveland.
    Betty Lin-Fisher, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • Plug aerators remove uniform pieces of soil with hollow tines.
    Kate Puhala, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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