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
While deficit reduction is necessary, the CRFB warned that rapid implementation of such austerity measures during a weak economy could trigger the worst economic contraction in nearly a century.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Corti is more cautious forecasting a volume contraction of almost 10 percent.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Your body needs magnesium for DNA synthesis, muscle contraction, nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure maintenance.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 16 Jan. 2026
In addition to digging into its brown adipose tissue stores, your body might shiver—the involuntary muscle contractions produce heat much like exercise does, as a 2014 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism showed.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026
Corti is more cautious forecasting a volume contraction of almost 10 percent.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 20 Jan. 2026
Your body needs magnesium for DNA synthesis, muscle contraction, nerve function, blood sugar regulation, and blood pressure maintenance.
—Anthea Levi, Health, 16 Jan. 2026
In addition to digging into its brown adipose tissue stores, your body might shiver—the involuntary muscle contractions produce heat much like exercise does, as a 2014 study published in the journal Cell Metabolism showed.
—Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
Perhaps most critically, any disappointment relative to high expectations could lead to multiple compression, given the level of optimism already reflected in the current share price.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
-
This cute little heated gel pack is available in three different colors and designs and uses adjustable hook-and-loop tape to apply gentle compression and heat to the baby’s belly.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Hassan’s team instead squeezed a photon’s intensity and demonstrated real-time control, fluctuating between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the silica’s position relative to the beams.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Philip Flores, 54, admitted to providing gifts like expensive meals and tickets to major sporting events to James Soriano, who worked at the Naval Information Warfare Center as a contracting officer’s representative.—
City News Service,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
17 Jan. 2026
-
An additional 45 projects have been approved and are currently moving through the grant-contracting process, Pawlisch said.—
Mary Divine,
Twin Cities,
17 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Garages are also more prone to moisture fluctuations, which can cause condensation and, in turn, lead to rusting or mold growth.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
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Covering your windows properly helps maintain a more stable indoor temperature, minimizing condensation buildup on windows.—
Louise Parks,
Martha Stewart,
10 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Costs and revenue squeeze Pressure on both costs and revenues remains the sector’s major obstacle.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
8 Jan. 2026
-
To balance the flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice.—
Sohaib Imtiaz,
Verywell Health,
7 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Then came the explosion of streamers followed by a constriction.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Jan. 2026
-
The constriction leads to spikes in blood pressure and heightens a diabetic person’s risk of heart disease.—
Jyoti Madhusoodanan,
Scientific American,
16 Dec. 2025
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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 28 Jan. 2026.
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