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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contraction
When the contractions were about three minutes apart, an inmate asked a guard to call 911, the lawsuit says.
—
Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Overall contraction in Hollywood has led to fewer films being shot on location in Los Angeles, and a 30% drop in entertainment industry jobs since its 2022 peak.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Bullish analysts hope 2026 will offer an inflection point for luxury stocks, with the sector returning to growth after four years of contraction.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 13 May 2026
In simple terms, muscles get stronger because contractions create stress, and your body adapts to handle that stress better next time.
—Mellanie Perez, Health, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Abigail Brooks, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Overall contraction in Hollywood has led to fewer films being shot on location in Los Angeles, and a 30% drop in entertainment industry jobs since its 2022 peak.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026
Bullish analysts hope 2026 will offer an inflection point for luxury stocks, with the sector returning to growth after four years of contraction.
—Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 13 May 2026
In simple terms, muscles get stronger because contractions create stress, and your body adapts to handle that stress better next time.
—Mellanie Perez, Health, 11 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
This compression of the purchase funnel is now the defining characteristic of modern fashion commerce, separating market leaders from those struggling to keep pace.—
Arthur Zaczkiewicz,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
-
Woods, with facial hair, donned a black long sleeve and hat with sunglasses, gray shorts and black shoes, while still wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
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But for all its utility, ordinary squeezing is a relatively simple, second-order effect.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
1 May 2026
Noun
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The Space Force has inked contracts with emerging space companies—non-traditional primes, in military contracting parlance—to buy services, manufacture satellites and payloads, and launch rockets.—
Stephen Clark,
ArsTechnica,
13 May 2026
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Tribal businesses now face a vastly more competitive landscape, and virtually no opportunities for those new to the contracting game, James said.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
11 May 2026
Noun
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Steam rising from a pot, humidity in the kitchen, or condensation from temperature changes can all introduce moisture into the jar.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
9 May 2026
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His favorite example is capturing condensation from air conditioners, typically by placing a bucket under outdoor drainpipes.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
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With the apparel market forecast to grow 2-4 percent per year between 2023 and 2028—a steep falloff from the 7–14 percent seen during the post-Covid recovery—executives are homing in on more immediate budget squeezes.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Footwear News,
6 May 2026
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The NeeDoh lineup includes the NeeDoh Nice Cube, NeeDoh Gumdrop, NeeDoh Gummy Bear, NeeDoh Snow Ball and NeeDoh Dohjees — each offering a different squeeze experience.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
6 May 2026
Noun
-
While Gold concurred that the ports will not be significantly impacted by the Iran war, the rising fuel costs due to the constriction of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could eventually effect retailers and consumers.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
16 Apr. 2026
-
Lungs Starting at around 9,000 feet, your lungs may begin to swell due to a constriction of blood vessels, which can cause fluid to leak and accumulate.—
Brad Stulberg,
Outside,
26 Mar. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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