contract 1 of 2

Definition of contractnext

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
Mohan praised the company’s effort to switch to a new business model focused on multiyear contracts in an attempt to prevent cyclical fluctuations in its revenue. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 20 June 2026 Trump threatened to cancel Musk’s federal contracts. Gautam Mukunda, Mercury News, 20 June 2026
Verb
Magnesium is a key electrolyte that helps keep the heart beating steady by regulating how the heart contracts. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 18 June 2026 For the Artemis program, NASA has contracted both SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop lunar landers. Margaret Landis, The Conversation, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • In April, Anthropic was also hiring for a data center deal sourcing role in the country.
    Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 25 June 2026
  • Looking to shop more Prime Day deals?
    Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Trump reiterated that military action remains on the table if Iran does not comply with their agreement.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • The Obama-era Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which requires presidents to submit agreements related to Iran’s nuclear program to Congress for approval, temporarily bars the president from waiving sanctions while lawmakers review.
    Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Unlike the movies, where directors get the glory, TV directors sit lower in the hierarchy, below creators, producers and actors.
    Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
  • After Diop broke up a pass into the box to Adams, McGinn got his foot on a cross to the right of Morocco’s net.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • To enable the design, Lucid shrunk the somewhat hexagonal wheel of its Air luxury sedan.
    Robert Duffer, AJC.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Platforms like TikTok have accelerated this further by compressing inspiration and transaction into the same moment.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
  • This fusion approach relies on powerful laser pulses to compress and ignite fusion fuel.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • The measure could potentially pose a problem with collective bargaining because the governor’s administration is ostensibly bargaining on behalf of all agencies, said Tim Yeung, a public sector labor expert.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 23 June 2026
  • Lind’s ideal ignores what workers have actually bargained for in the United States, and what pro-worker social democracies already provide.
    Teresa Ghilarducci, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Restore notes prices vary by studio, so that figure is an example, not a guarantee.
    Allison Palmer Updated June 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 June 2026
  • Still, the formula should be viewed as a guide rather than a guarantee.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The pact also stipulates that the key Strait of Hormuz trading route will be reopened after months of disruption for the global economy, but particularly oil and gas markets.
    Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 19 June 2026
  • The legal obstacles also come as critics warn the pact gives Iran major economic benefits while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear and security questions for future negotiations.
    Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.

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