Synonyms of constricts

constricts

verb

present tense third-person singular of constrict

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

• shrinks
• compresses
• condenses
• decreases
• collapses
• contracts
• flattens
• diminishes
• lessens
• shrivels
• withdraws
• recedes
• withers
• retreats
• deflates
• dwindles
• dries up
• abates
• wilts

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expands
• increases
• swells
• grows
• accumulates
• inflates
• snowballs
• balloons
• puffs (up)
• balloons

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

• compresses
• condenses
• squeezes
• consolidates
• packs
• simplifies
• collapses
• narrows (down)
• crams
• curtails
• shortens
• capsules
• compacts
• contracts
• constringes
• telescopes
• capsulizes
• abridges
• shrinks
• abbreviates
• decreases
• diminishes
• streamlines
• jams
• lessens
• boils down
• concentrates
• downsizes
• crowds
• jam-packs

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expands
• opens
• dilates
• decompresses
• disperses
• dissipates
• scatters
• outstretches
• distends
• inflates
• swells
• outspreads

Example Sentences

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