contracted 1 of 2

adjective

as in squeezed

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contracted

2 of 2

verb

past tense of contract
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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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

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 contracted
Verb
To meet growing demand, Ukraine’s Defense Procurement Agency (DOT) contracted 1,500 motorcycles in 2026. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Aug. 2026 In 2022, the federal government contracted Genesis GSA Strategic One LLC to renovate a building on Meadowridge Road in Elkridge and lease it to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for immigration enforcement operations. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026 Cyclosporiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite and is usually contracted by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite; it is not spread directly from person to person like a typical stomach virus. — Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The bacteria thrives in warm coastal waters and can be contracted through open wounds or by eating raw shellfish. — Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026 The bacteria can be contracted through minor cuts for swimmers or by eating raw shellfish. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Aug. 2026 After the Kittrells' bankruptcy petition was filed, on November 11, 2024, MKHS Dispensary contracted with a company called A&R Consultants, LLC, to manage the Greenmed operations. — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Revolution Wind is the only offshore wind project with which the state has contracted to buy electricity. — Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026 In 2016, seeking an immediate solution for emergency blood deliveries, the Rwandan government contracted with American robotics company Zipline for drone shipments. — Fatma Tanis, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contracted
  1. compressed
  2. got
  3. shrank
  4. squeezed
  5. agreed
  6. condensed
  7. caught
  8. decreased
Adjective
  • During times of high prices and compressed returns, retail investors are battling for the same crowded crumbs in the public stock market.
    — Justin Donald, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • In a busy cafe environment, the buds successfully eliminate most of the background noise, but my voice becomes more compressed and less intelligible.
    — Mark Knapp, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of compressed
Verb
  • And found our own references, got into it, got the concept down, looked at some different artists.
    — Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Lesnar got revenge in the second meeting, thereby making the rubber match necessary.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of got
Verb
  • That debt has not shrunk to match the smaller population now paying for it.
    — Lisa Nee, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • That is the uncomfortable reading for the Western and Japanese incumbents still counting on combustion sales in China, whose presence in the top ten has shrunk to one aging gasoline sedan.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of shrank
Verb
  • But attorneys and housing advocates who work with struggling homeowners say household budgets are being squeezed from several directions.
    — Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Io is repeatedly squeezed and stretched by Jupiter and the gravitational pulls of neighboring moons Europa and Ganymede.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeezed
Verb
  • Villa endeavour to move others on, including Leon Bailey, 29, who remains in a prolonged period of negotiation with his current club and Hull City, who have long agreed a fee for the winger.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The club agreed to a rigorous trial period over the course of several months during the 2024-25 season, ending with Biolyz signing the Dortmund to its first commercial contract.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of agreed
Adjective
  • While cake is cooling, whisk together cold water, sweetened condensed milk, and pudding mix in a large bowl until smooth.
    — Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 13 July 2026
  • The gallery presents a condensed history of blue-and-white ceramics globally in dishes, starting in the Middle East with a 9th century Iraqi piece.
    — Stephanie Shih June 17, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026
Definition of condensed
Verb
  • Tristan Gunn caught the touchdown pass, and back-up quarterback Cade DePriest also had a touchdown pass to Smith Lessard.
    — Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The first pick of the second round caught seven passes for 63 yards on his three drives, including two impressive catches on the TD drive.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of caught
Verb
  • Drought has led to decreased snowpack and water flowing into the river.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Crimes against society, including prostitution, drug and weapons offenses, decreased slightly, going from 278 incidents last year to 227 incidents so far this year.
    — Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of decreased

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contracted (for)
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Cite this Entry

“Contracted.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contracted. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of contracted for Spanish Speakers

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