1
as in shrinks
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compresses
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
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Recent Examples of constricts
This stress response constricts blood vessels and accelerates heart rate, which can contribute to blood pressure spikes.
—
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
The coldness of the water constricts arteries, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to function.
—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2026
This means giving up the exalted and exaggerated idea of the West that boosts a masculinist self-image but severely constricts thought and feeling.
—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement.
—
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—
Amy Feldman,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—
Manahil Ahmad,
The Providence Journal,
25 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Jan. 2026
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
—
Outside,
10 Dec. 2025
Kathleen Ferraro,
Verywell Health,
11 June 2026
The coldness of the water constricts arteries, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to function.
—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2026
This means giving up the exalted and exaggerated idea of the West that boosts a masculinist self-image but severely constricts thought and feeling.
—
Christine Smallwood,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Mar. 2026
The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement.
—
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—
Amy Feldman,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—
Manahil Ahmad,
The Providence Journal,
25 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
23 Jan. 2026
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
—
Outside,
10 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricts
Verb
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Specialists say proton therapy is a precise tool that shrinks tumors while limiting side effects by sparing healthy parts of the body from harmful radiation.
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An amortising loan, by contrast, shrinks the exposure year by year as the balance is paid down.
Verb
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Sitting for hours on end compresses joints and reduces circulation of synovial fluid, the body’s natural joint lubricant.
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The Great Flattening Of SaaS AI compresses time.
Verb
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Prioritise, which uses AI to surface your most important notifications first, and Summarise, which condenses long chat threads into a quick summary without opening the app.
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Belmont says the facility would generate enough heat to raise nighttime temperatures by eight to 12 degrees, irrevocably shifting the dew point, the temperature at which water condenses.
Verb
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With electric vehicles continuing to gain share, that further squeezes European carmakers.
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At one point, the SUV squeezes past a traffic cone while making a left turn and narrowly avoids colliding with a large truck.
Cite this Entry
“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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