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
Two-way contracts, which pay half the NBA rookie minimum and do not count toward the salary cap or luxury tax, allow for players to be on their NBA team’s active list for as many as 50 regular-season games with other game action having to come in the G League. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026 Limited runs allow film and television stars to enjoy a turn on the stage without committing to a nine-month contract. Katie North, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
Skyler Buckner is the owner of Rise Above Remodeling, a general contracting company in Phoenix. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 But the Denver City Council voted overwhelmingly against the lease last December, after learning Key Lime Air had contracted with federal immigration authorities to transport detainees. Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • The NBCUniversal spin-off is envisioned as a tax-free transaction for shareholders, providing a short-term buffer from deal-making to preserve that structure.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Now, the 76ers have some hope, as the franchise on Wednesday agreed to a deal for Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and other news reports.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 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
  • One thing everyone agrees on, though, is that airfare is likely to keep getting more expensive.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • And the research proves that this type of bias is only getting worse.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • What Research Shows About Cancer in Dogs While there is no evidence that turkey tail shrinks tumors, the mushroom has drawn real scientific interest as a complementary therapy for serious illness.
    Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2026
  • Questions about whether shrinking schools is a viable path forward could soon resurface as Hutchinson and the board’s most labor-friendly members — directors Valarie Bachelor and Jennifer Brouhard — go up for re-election in November.
    Shomik Mukherjee, Mercury News, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Mirza built a single-entry-point platform that helps workers navigate childcare subsidies, SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid—compressing what can be 16 separate government forms into a single process in some states.
    Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • During the peak in 2021 and 2022, C’Ganti has said pricing between Class A, B, and C properties was compressed.
    Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 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
  • Under Proposition 98, approved by voters in 1988, California has a minimum funding guarantee for schools and community colleges and dedicates roughly 40% of general fund revenue to education.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Once a newly public company has an influx of cash from the IPO, there is no guarantee that the company will spend it wisely.
    Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Hezbollah was not included in the negotiations over the pact.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Under the pact, Point Grey will have a first look at new projects McAtee is producing.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 2 Jul. 2026.

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