as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing
most substances undergo contraction when cooled
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contraction
In May, the official gauge on manufacturing activity also slowed to 50, the threshold separating expansion from contraction.
—
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Dubai has highly irregular, more frequent cycles of expansion and contraction.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
Driving this contraction is the Iran war, which has now stretched into its fourth month.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 June 2026
The Lord met us through every contraction, every intervention and answered our prayers in a way that my 'perfect birth' couldn’t have.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Dubai has highly irregular, more frequent cycles of expansion and contraction.
—Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 9 June 2026
Driving this contraction is the Iran war, which has now stretched into its fourth month.
—Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 8 June 2026
The Lord met us through every contraction, every intervention and answered our prayers in a way that my 'perfect birth' couldn’t have.
—Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 5 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
Handy died as the result of a stab wound to the torso and neck compression, according to medical examiner records reviewed by PEOPLE.—
Liam Quinn,
PEOPLE,
12 June 2026
-
Serious price-to-earnings compression.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
-
Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
Federal contracting data show that the Virginia firm Terra Site Constructors has been awarded roughly $60 million in contracts from the National Park Service to complete work on the various fountain rehabilitation projects across the city.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
8 June 2026
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This process takes a customer from initial proposal through contracting, fulfillment, invoicing, and revenue recognition.—
Adrienne Down Coulson,
Fortune,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Use place mats or tablecloths on your kitchen table to keep food spills, condensation from drinks, and utensils from marring or staining the surface.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
29 May 2026
-
Instead of waiting for condensation to evaporate (or wiping it with your hand and leaving streaks), keep a microfiber cloth nearby.—
Jamie Cuccinelli,
Martha Stewart,
27 May 2026
Noun
-
The zing from a squeeze of lemon juice plus the tangy crunch of relish adds up to a flavorful dish that is surprisingly easy to throw together.—
Stephanie Ganz,
Parents,
7 June 2026
-
For even more flavor, add the zest of a lemon, lime, or orange, or a squeeze of any of their juice.—
Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 June 2026
Noun
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With all the news on declining alcohol consumption and the constriction of craft beer, McEfee is optimistic Balance will have its place.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
9 June 2026
-
Adrenaline speeds up peristalsis, the contractions and constrictions of the intestines, while blood is diverted from the digestive system, which can cause nausea.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Video
On Contractions of Multiple Words
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Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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