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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
If there’s a force majeure clause in the new rights contracts that allows the NBA’s media partners to temporarily halt running sportsbook ads when an unforeseeable event makes such airings impractical, it’s hidden under a tide of black ink. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2025 The municipally operated Eastern Oregon Regional Airport in Pendleton holds the only Essential Air Service (EAS) contract in the state, a federal program that helps rural airports operate. The Npr Network, NPR, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The building was designed by California artist Millard Sheets, who became prominent for painting scenes with watercolor before Home Savings and Loan contracted him to design their buildings throughout Southern California in the 1950s. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2025 Between 2011 and 2021, the state contracted with IBM to catch fraud and overpayments in the Medicaid provider space using computer algorithms. Kayla Dwyer, IndyStar, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • Invest in better sleep today by shopping Wayfair’s bedding sale, and keep scrolling for more of our favorite deals.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Christopher Scholtes accepted a plea deal that carries a sentence of 20 to 30 years in prison.
    Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Just before the election, the US signed a $20 billion currency swap line agreement with Argentina to shore up the beleaguered peso, which is down more than 30% so far this year.
    Jason Ma, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Both parties have accused the other of violations of the agreement.
    Mandy Taheri, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ciske has also gotten creative in making sure kids can keep coming with their guardians.
    Jordyn Noennig, jsonline.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The company got Turkish movie legend Mehmet Çevik as a pitchman.
    Moisés Naím, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Much of Moreas’s difficulty stems from a shrinking pool of skilled labor in the health care workforce.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 20 Oct. 2025
  • For her next trick, Halsey has shrunk the venues, with a persona that seems at least as large in a looser mode.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The compact vacuum even blows up air mattresses and compresses vacuum storage bags.
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Even when compressed up to 20 times, the accuracy is still about 60%.
    Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Under the bill, AB 1340, by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, and co-authored by Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, hundreds of thousands of drivers will now be able to bargain for better wages and benefits.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Basically, teachers have the right to organize and advocate for their interests, but unions cannot legally bargain with the government.
    Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • However, Deadline reported that Grey's Anatomy had reduced the minimum guarantees for series regulars from 18 episodes per season to 14 during its 2024-25 season.
    Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • But the lack of transparency and due process are similar, and there are few to no guarantees of the safety of people whom ICE agents remove, often without identifying themselves, and move around without notifying the family or lawyers of the detained.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The new trade pacts with Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Vietnam are set to unlock new investment and market opportunities, with practical impacts on sectors ranging from agriculture and energy to semiconductors and automobiles.
    Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Oct. 2025
  • Trump is aiming to clinch the pact with China’s Xi Jinping in South Korea on Thursday.
    J.D. Capelouto, semafor.com, 26 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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