Synonyms of constricting

constricting 1 of 2

noun

as in squeezing

the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing

the constant constricting of the animal's throat had caused permanent damage

Synonyms & Similar Words

• squeezing
• compression
• constriction
• contracting
• squeeze
• condensing
• contraction
• condensation
• consolidation
• compaction
• concentration
• compacting
• telescoping
• curtailment
• shortening
• abbreviation
• decreasing
• abridgment
• streamlining
• simplification
• lessening
• diminishment

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expansion
• dispersion
• scattering
• inflation
• decompression
• dissipation
• swelling
• dilation
• distension

constricting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of constrict

1

as in shrinking

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter

the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shrinking
• compressing
• condensing
• decreasing
• contracting
• collapsing
• flattening
• diminishing
• withdrawing
• retreating
• lessening
• dwindling
• shriveling
• receding
• drying up
• deflating
• withering
• wilting
• abating

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expanding
• swelling
• increasing
• growing
• accumulating
• ballooning
• snowballing
• inflating
• puffing (up)
• ballooning

2

as in compressing

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together

constricted the opening with a clamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

• compressing
• squeezing
• condensing
• packing
• consolidating
• contracting
• collapsing
• compacting
• simplifying
• narrowing (down)
• telescoping
• constringing
• cramming
• curtailing
• capsulizing
• capsuling
• crowding
• shrinking
• shortening
• decreasing
• abridging
• jamming
• downsizing
• streamlining
• abbreviating
• diminishing
• jam-packing
• concentrating
• lessening
• boiling down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expanding
• opening
• dilating
• dispersing
• dissipating
• decompressing
• swelling
• scattering
• outstretching
• distending
• outspreading
• inflating

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of constricting

Noun

The Russian director’s first film in English, by contrast, is testosterone-driven, a father-son story in which the constricting codes of masculinity lead to senseless loss. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026

This spring, trending styles are continuing to divert from slimmer, constricting fits, with many embracing an ultra-relaxed look that leaves room for comfort and experimentation. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026

Howard and her team got the company to redesign the uniform after about a year of trying, swapping the constricting top for a looser one. — Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025

Toddlers and babies especially might especially appreciate a break from their constricting seat, and a change in scenery, by talking a walk up and down the aisles with mom or dad. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025

Its space is at once endless and constricting. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025

Wildlife art can be confining, constricting, customary; contemporary artists are assuring its survival and vibrancy by breaking from the traditional. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Verb

Popular imagination dismissed her as one of the lonely and disappointed women in a cardigan who peopled her novels, her books discarded as conservative and constricting. — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Nov. 2026

The organ has an imposing physical presence, but its expressive range can become constricting over 13 tracks. — Emma Madden, Pitchfork, 28 Oct. 2026

This often has translated into centers playing in clunky shoes with thick outsoles to absorb the heavier impact of their landing and constricting support to protect their ankles. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

The siege of Taiz — a strategic gateway to southern Yemen — isn’t only constricting water supplies. — ABC News, 24 Oct. 2026

The pullover style is easy to put on and take off, while the ribbed material is snug without being constricting. — Tim Chan, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2026

These measures have succeeded in further constricting Iran’s access to global markets, including its ability to import various wares and export key commodities such as oil. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026

Oil prices rose on growing fears of the Middle East conflict metastasizing and further constricting global energy flows. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2026

That’s a pretty evocative setting for a film, with the perpetual drone and roar of fighter jets overhead and an air of constricting menace pervading what should otherwise be placidly idle summer hours. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026