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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 constricting
Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2024
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
The subtly stretchy fabric had the right amount of flexible elastane to achieve a close fit that never felt constricting (but was too loose on a tester with a small head).
—Mark Eller, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024
The political climate is constricting daily.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The exclusive club is more of a constricting prison.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024
Aid groups complain that Israel has been constricting the flow of food into Gaza; Israel counters that aid has piled up on the Gaza side of the border without distribution.
—Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024
The son, Antonio, had constricting epilepsy.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
With a loose fit and ribbed cuffs on the sleeves, the sweatshirt is the perfect snuggly topper, while the shorts aren’t tight or constricting, ideal for travel and the plane.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
The crossbody bag option, meanwhile, is less constricting and makes a stylish statement piece on top of any casual outfit.
—Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2024
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
The subtly stretchy fabric had the right amount of flexible elastane to achieve a close fit that never felt constricting (but was too loose on a tester with a small head).
—Mark Eller, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024
The political climate is constricting daily.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The exclusive club is more of a constricting prison.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024
Aid groups complain that Israel has been constricting the flow of food into Gaza; Israel counters that aid has piled up on the Gaza side of the border without distribution.
—Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024
The son, Antonio, had constricting epilepsy.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
With a loose fit and ribbed cuffs on the sleeves, the sweatshirt is the perfect snuggly topper, while the shorts aren’t tight or constricting, ideal for travel and the plane.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricting
Verb
-
The pool of available CPAs has been shrinking as Baby Boomers and some Gen Xers retire.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.—
Andrew DeAngelo,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Many frequent flyers swear by compression socks as a way to keep blood flowing and reduce swelling during long flights.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
-
People have many opinions on which travel accessories are the best, from compression packing cubes that save luggage space to toiletry bags that can hang on the bathroom door.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Yet Fuller found her own identity—as a woman and a writer—to be a source of confusion, and sometimes constriction.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
-
But labor force growth was capped by constriction in several sectors.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
3 July 2025
Noun
-
Start simple: Begin with raw oysters, a squeeze of lemon and a crisp Blanc de Blancs, then branch out.—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
That’s followed by notes of nutty malt, caramel, clove, and a squeeze of lemon on the palate, and a bright finish.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Month-on-month, the economy grew 0.4% in June after a 0.1% contraction in May, failing to shake off the impact of U.S. tariffs and business uncertainty.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
14 Aug. 2025
-
High-multiple growth stocks often falter during economic slowdowns, as lower earnings growth leads to sharp contractions in valuation multiples.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
One more beer, condensation rolling down the can in the lazy swell of this fine summer afternoon.—
Kristen Arnett
August 7,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
-
There are telltale signs that there's too much moisture in your house, from condensation to unpleasant odors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
17 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constricting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricting. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share