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contract

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verb

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as in to bargain
to come to an arrangement as to a course of action the farmer contracted for delivery of the hay by the first of July

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contract different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of contract are compress, condense, constrict, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to contract?

In some situations, the words compress and contract are roughly equivalent. However, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would condense be a good substitute for contract?

Although the words condense and contract have much in common, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of contract?

The words constrict and contract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can deflate take the place of contract?

While in some cases nearly identical to contract, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might shrink be a better fit than contract?

The synonyms shrink and contract are sometimes interchangeable, but shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of contract
Noun
Another serves as the political director for a union and voted on the county's contract with that union. Dave Boucher, Freep.com, 3 Oct. 2025 The business enters into unique contracts with those looking to move. Sasha Hupka, AZCentral.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Only the structures that were already gravitationally bound together at that moment, not including the structures that were still collapsing and contracting on their way to becoming gravitationally bound, will actually be able to hold together. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025 The audit found the district also didn’t look into problems with BusPatrol’s implementation of programs in New York and Pennsylvania, which were publicly documented prior to Miami-Dade schools contracting with the vendor. Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • The Israeli government approved the historic deal to end the conflict in Gaza.
    Yamiche Alcindor, NBC news, 10 Oct. 2025
  • The talks may not result in a final deal, but at present Coinbase appears to have the inside track over Mastercard.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The league and its players are currently in a tense collective bargaining agreement negotiation, as the current deal will expire at the end of this month.
    Ben Pickman, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Under a pending agreement with ICE, the Guard's role enforcing immigration laws could expand to providing additional military personnel to be trained by ICE and deputized into assisting with policing immigration.
    Juan Cordoba, Arkansas Online, 5 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The goal is to get a congress of 15, with at least eight members coming from Cincinnati's homeless shelters and seven representing people who live outdoors or in temporary housing.
    Elizabeth B. Kim, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Jonathan Taylor got the three touchdowns but was hardly explosive on a down-to-down basis.
    Michael Salfino, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This year’s version was probably the hardest so far because of a continually shrinking talent discrepancy between the haves and the have-nots on the back end.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Many of the outlets that still publish criticism have shrunk coverage or shifted toward fuzzier features that approach literature as little more than a lifestyle choice.
    David L. Ulin, The Atlantic, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Multiverse’s argument that compressed models significantly cut energy use might also not hold up over time, because cheaper, more accessible AI models will likely attract billions more users.
    Vivienne Walt, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The pieces compress easily when not in use, and the pillowcase sleeve slips right over your suitcase handle for easy transport.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With Newsom’s signature now on AB 1340, drivers can collectively bargain and unionize, including negotiating contracts, which would set industry-wide standards, according to proponents like bill sponsors Assemblymembers Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, and Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2025
  • While major pro sports leagues feature a stable arrangement, with unionized players negotiating a CBA and collectively bargained terms exempt from antitrust scrutiny, the opposite is true in college sports.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The prisoner list exchange represents progress, but negotiations must continue to resolve disputes over timing, reconstruction, and security guarantees.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The service—which allows users to set their location to over 160 locations in 105 countries with unlimited bandwidth—offers a 30-day free trial and a money-back guarantee with several subscription options to fit different viewing needs.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 8 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Brazil has also helped meet China’s demand for soybeans, with both countries announcing a pact in July to deepen agricultural trade ties.
    Alayna Treene, CNN Money, 5 Oct. 2025
  • The particulars of the Versant deal remain unleaked, although the league is now on course to book even more annual TV revenue than it was set to realize under the original 2024 pact.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

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