1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

constriction

noun

kən-ˈstrik-shən How to pronounce constriction (audio)
Definition of constrictionnext
as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing tried to ease the tie's constriction of his neck

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 constriction The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2026 With all the news on declining alcohol consumption and the constriction of craft beer, McEfee is optimistic Balance will have its place. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 9 June 2026 Adrenaline speeds up peristalsis, the contractions and constrictions of the intestines, while blood is diverted from the digestive system, which can cause nausea. — Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 3 June 2026 The Memorandum of Understanding would include language lifting constrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, including unrestricted navigation by vessels and the lifting of a US blockade. — Kevin Liptak, CNN Money, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for constriction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constriction
  1. compression
  2. squeezing
  3. contraction
  4. condensation
  5. squeeze
  6. contracting
Noun
  • The medium compression is just enough to provide a little tummy control, without leaving me feeling squeezed after lunch.
    — Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The flattering design features a contoured waistband and medium compression for a shaping and lifting effect throughout.
    — Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of compression
Noun
  • So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
  • Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Definition of squeezing
Noun
  • That’s where cognition becomes impaired, muscle contraction becomes impaired, and metabolism actually slows.
    — Patrick Iversen, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026
  • Such optimism had for years been hard to find in a Hollywood ravaged by the pandemic, wildfires, labor strife, contraction and technological upheaval.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Boiling, evaporation, condensation, and capillary return are all handled in the chamber, continuously moving heat away from the chip without moving parts.
    — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The finale of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week at Wrigley Field was suspended during the first set of the second match because of condensation on the outdoor court.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • Prices keep climbing Supply squeezes have led to soaring prices worldwide.
    — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Fortune, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Compression boots use inflatable air chambers that rhythmically squeeze and release the legs in sections, delivering a massage-like sensation typically used for dedicated recovery sessions.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • The Department of Defense is piloting a new tech contracting model, where companies can work at automating department processes and earn a percentage of the savings.
    — Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of contracting

Browse Nearby Words

constricting
constriction
constrictor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constriction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constriction. Accessed 16 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on constriction

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about constriction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of facsimile

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All