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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constricts
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
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
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
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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Gravitational waves are usually hunted by measuring distance—how space itself stretches and shrinks ever so slightly.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
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SpringWorks advanced it into Gomekli, a medicine that now shrinks tumors in patients with that condition.—
Annette Bakker,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The back line compresses space, the midfield disrupts passing lanes and Ferree has commanded his box with composure beyond his years.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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Most have a double-zipper system, with one zipper to close the cube and a second zipper that compresses it to a fraction of its full size.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The network does not air the BAFTAs live, but edits and condenses the three-hour show into a two-hour program to be broadcast later.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
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Without good ventilation, the warm steam cools and condenses on walls, floors, and other surfaces.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
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It also gets compressed, which squeezes the air and puts even more pressure on it, which heats it up.—
Zoe Mintz,
CBS News,
15 Mar. 2026
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As the Iran conflict disrupts energy markets and squeezes jet-fuel supplies, there is a concern that airfares could rise in the weeks ahead.—
Ashley J. DiMella,
FOXNews.com,
11 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
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