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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Naturally, that shrinks the spending power.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 2026
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Once citizens begin to wonder whether criticism of public officials might trigger scrutiny, participation in civic life inevitably shrinks.—
Bob Shaw,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In operation, the actuator compresses and holds the Ni-Ti tubes, causing the material to heat up.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Their terahertz microscope compresses long terahertz waves into a microscopic spot.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 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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Any tariff shift moves shipping volumes, squeezes supply chains, and eventually nudges consumer prices — but those ripples take time to reach shelves and paychecks.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
20 Feb. 2026
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All this requires a lot of power, which puts a strain on the grid and squeezes local resources.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
7 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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