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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of constricts
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
Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation.
—Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease drugs Caffeine constricts blood vessels and tightens the blood-brain barrier, potentially limiting how much Alzheimer’s medication reaches the brain and reducing its therapeutic benefit.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
If Weiler’s construction provides the opportunity to see a series of fine actors at work with delicate tête-à-têtes, the neatness of the structure constricts some of the feeling.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025
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
Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation.
—Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease drugs Caffeine constricts blood vessels and tightens the blood-brain barrier, potentially limiting how much Alzheimer’s medication reaches the brain and reducing its therapeutic benefit.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
If Weiler’s construction provides the opportunity to see a series of fine actors at work with delicate tête-à-têtes, the neatness of the structure constricts some of the feeling.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricts
Verb
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This combination shrinks the outer bark while the inner cambium freezes and expands.—
Tammie Souza,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
-
That’s unusual for this time of year, when inventory typically shrinks.—
Sara B. Hansen,
Denver Post,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Video inflates thought; reading compresses it.—
Ryan Craig,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
This vapor layer unexpectedly acts as a cushion, ensuring the shockwave compresses the water symmetrically.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
That rising air cools, and water vapor condenses.—
Andrea Thompson,
Scientific American,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Because the snowball is cold, the soot instantly condenses and collects on the surface of the snow.—
Ahmad Bajjey,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This example of the latter skillfully squeezes a comfortable home for two into a single shipping container.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
11 Jan. 2026
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As the moon follows an elliptical path, Saturn’s gravity stretches and squeezes it.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
17 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 9 Feb. 2026.
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