as in squeezed
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1
as in got
to become affected with (a disease or disorder)
before vaccines were invented, people lived in fear of contracting polio
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compressed
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter
metal contracts at low temperatures
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3
as in condensed
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together
contract the calf muscles in your legs
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4
as in agreed
to come to an arrangement as to a course of action
the farmer contracted for delivery of the hay by the first of July
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contracted
Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
That includes buses operated by or contracted for use by the school district.
—Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 12 May 2026
John contracted a severe eye infection in the summer of 2024.
—Karen Bliss, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
In 2012, 10 people contracted the Sin Nombre strain after staying overnight at Yosemite National Park in California.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 12 May 2026
But there is some concern about how the infection might manifest if contracted by someone with uncontrolled HIV or another condition that compromises the immune system.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
During a media briefing Monday, the California Department of Public Health said that four state residents had been exposed to the virus, but none had contracted it.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Starship is currently the lander contracted for that mission, but the readiness and performance of both landers during Artemis 3 could possibly change that arrangement if Blue Moon completes its qualification testing first.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 11 May 2026
His drive to eliminate Argentina’s chronic inflation has stalled, unemployment has climbed and the economy has contracted.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
Standing nearly 27 feet tall and about 13 feet wide, Dragon capsules can carry up to seven astronauts into orbit, though most of SpaceX's Crew missions, which are contracted with NASA, feature a contingent of four.
—Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 12 May 2026
That includes buses operated by or contracted for use by the school district.
—Lacey Beasley, CBS News, 12 May 2026
John contracted a severe eye infection in the summer of 2024.
—Karen Bliss, Rolling Stone, 12 May 2026
In 2012, 10 people contracted the Sin Nombre strain after staying overnight at Yosemite National Park in California.
—Aria Bendix, NBC news, 12 May 2026
But there is some concern about how the infection might manifest if contracted by someone with uncontrolled HIV or another condition that compromises the immune system.
—Helen Branswell, STAT, 11 May 2026
During a media briefing Monday, the California Department of Public Health said that four state residents had been exposed to the virus, but none had contracted it.
—Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026
Starship is currently the lander contracted for that mission, but the readiness and performance of both landers during Artemis 3 could possibly change that arrangement if Blue Moon completes its qualification testing first.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 11 May 2026
His drive to eliminate Argentina’s chronic inflation has stalled, unemployment has climbed and the economy has contracted.
—ABC News, 27 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contracted
Verb
-
Tom Brady, who was the victim of Netflix’s last celebrity roast in 2024, made a surprise appearance at Kevin Hart’s roast Sunday to launch a few jokes at the comedian before the night got underway.—
Payton Turkeltaub,
Variety,
11 May 2026
-
Mateusz Bogusz got a second chance to score in the 51st minute, using his left foot to find the net for the second time for a 3-1 lead.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
-
Households consumed less, firms invested less, imports fell, and recessions compressed spending.—
James Broughel,
Forbes.com,
10 May 2026
-
In sports, especially, where career timelines are often compressed, the difference between abrupt endings and seamless transitions usually comes down to this kind of enterprise mindset.—
Sandra Richards,
Rolling Stone,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
Dwight reached out and squeezed my upper arm, pulling me into a bear hug, smashing my face against the rough canvas of his jacket, his gloved hand on my ass pulling me closer.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
15 May 2026
-
Patrick Mahomes’ torn right ACL and LCL prevented a late-season surge that might have squeezed KC into the postseason and another fateful meeting.—
Tim Graham,
New York Times,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
Before that time, no two atlases agreed as to the limits, and much confusion resulted.—
Joe Rao,
Space.com,
15 May 2026
-
Trump also said China has agreed to buy American oil, to help with Iran negotiations and not to supply military equipment to Tehran, adding that the Chinese leader would like to see the Strait of Hormuz open and free of tolls.—
Katie Foley,
CNBC,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The Giants have not won at home in Week 1 since Hakeem Nicks caught three touchdown passes in a 2010 win over the Carolina Panthers.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
15 May 2026
-
Steyer backers Speaking of money, the second ad (or sort-of ad) that caught my attention is tied to Steyer, the billionaire who has spent more than $100 million of his own money in this race.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
The 1922 agreement that divided the water among the states doled out more than was actually flowing, and since 2000, the river has shrunk dramatically as climate change intensifies dry conditions in the Rocky Mountains.—
Ian James,
Los Angeles Times,
14 May 2026
-
Betz also pointed to Michigan's lower birth rates, which have shrunk the pool of 18-year-olds seeking a college education, a trend that heavily impacts small private institutions like Siena Heights.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
14 May 2026
-
The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
14 May 2026
Verb
-
At an optimal dosage of 10 g/L, the lag phase of hydrogen production decreased by about 50%, and the specific hydrogen yield increased by roughly 33%, according to researchers.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 May 2026
-
Wealthy Russians, Ukrainians, and northern Europeans snapped up properties, too—though visitors from the Russian-speaking world have decreased since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.—
Rebecca Rose,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contracted. Accessed 16 May. 2026.
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