Thesaurus

contract

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms of contract

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation

accused her of breaking their contract by not completing the decorating job on budget

Synonyms for contract

Words Related to contract

2 an arrangement about action to be taken

a contract outlining what needed to be done by each person

Synonyms for contract

Words Related to contract

charter,
treaty

contract

verb

Synonyms & Antonyms of contract (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to become affected with (a disease or disorder)

before vaccines were invented, people lived in fear of contracting polio

Synonyms for contract

Words Related to contract

break out (with)

Near Antonyms for contract

2 to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter

metal contracts at low temperatures

Synonyms for contract

Words Related to contract

Near Antonyms for contract

Antonyms for contract

3 to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together

contract the calf muscles in your legs

Synonyms for contract

Words Related to contract

Near Antonyms for contract

Antonyms for contract

4 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 for contract

Words Related to contract

arrange,
settle

Phrases Synonymous with contract

Near Antonyms for contract

differ,
dissent

Antonyms for contract

disagree

Frequently Asked Questions About contract

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

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