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
Unlike the cardiovascular system, which relies on the heart to pump blood throughout the body, the lymphatic system depends heavily on movement, breathing, muscular contraction, and circulation to help move lymphatic fluid throughout the body.
—
Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
The contraction also extends to its Asian diffusion line, G Givenchy, which previously maintained a notable presence in second- and third-tier cities.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 25 May 2026
Throughout all three births, her husband’s role remained focused on supporting her through labor by rubbing her back, encouraging her through contractions and helping create a calm environment in the delivery room.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
By 2027, software developers are expected to see a 3% job contraction due to AI coding capabilities, according to Labor Automation Forecasting Hub by Metaculus, a popular website where forecasters predict how AI will reshape the workforce.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026
The contraction also extends to its Asian diffusion line, G Givenchy, which previously maintained a notable presence in second- and third-tier cities.
—Denni Hu, Footwear News, 25 May 2026
Throughout all three births, her husband’s role remained focused on supporting her through labor by rubbing her back, encouraging her through contractions and helping create a calm environment in the delivery room.
—Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 23 May 2026
By 2027, software developers are expected to see a 3% job contraction due to AI coding capabilities, according to Labor Automation Forecasting Hub by Metaculus, a popular website where forecasters predict how AI will reshape the workforce.
—Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
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Frank Lloyd Wright called this compression and release.—
Sean Timberlake,
Sacbee.com,
29 May 2026
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The 5x telephoto gives you a very pleasing compression and doubles as a macro shooter (right image in the above collage).—
Prakhar Khanna,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Noun
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So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
22 May 2026
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Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.—
Samantha Agate,
Charlotte Observer,
7 May 2026
Noun
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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
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In April, the agency revealed a multi-year national contracting opportunity to embed AI skills into Registered Apprenticeship programs, including new tracks in roles that directly build, manage, or apply AI tools.—
Shalin Jyotishi,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2026
Noun
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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
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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
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Hand-squeeze one ounce of lime juice into the glass and top with a Ranch Water All Día.—
Claudia Alarcón,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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European carriers face a squeeze for similar reasons.—
Anton L. Delgado,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2026
Noun
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The Memorandum of Understanding would include language lifting constrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, including unrestricted navigation by vessels and the lifting of a US blockade.—
Kevin Liptak,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
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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
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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 4 Jun. 2026.
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