contraction

noun

kən-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce contraction (audio)
Definition of contractionnext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 contraction The original 67-member royal household shrank to 16, a contraction exacerbated by the requirement that female members must leave the imperial family after marrying a commoner. — Hanako Montgomery, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 The flight cancellations, the daily blackouts and a worsening humanitarian crisis have all caused tourism to tank, with only 359,000 international arrivals recorded between January and May this year, a 58% contraction from the same period in 2025. — Nora Gámez Torres, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026 Still, like all states, Oklahoma has been subject to Hollywood’s contraction over the last few years. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2026 Despite potential future price hikes and PC market contraction, Apple's strategy positions it as an understated victor, maintaining competitive edge and margins. — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
  1. compression
  2. squeezing
  3. contracting
  4. condensation
  5. squeeze
  6. constriction
Noun
  • Others may develop nerve compression or intervertebral disc issues which can cause pain.
    — Greta Cross, USA Today, 17 July 2026
  • Anything less can sag or wear out, and anything higher will act as a compression suit that can be a bit intense for casual wear.
    — Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 16 July 2026
Definition of compression
Noun
  • Matt Hooper’s squeezing of the Styrofoam cup in answer to Shaw’s squeezing of the beer can was something that actually happened.
    — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 20 June 2026
  • So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Definition of squeezing
Noun
  • Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway’s office on Thursday defended its decision to sue Kansas City over a contracting program using a plaintiff who had pleaded guilty to paying bribes for contracts years ago.
    — Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026
  • The live capture was filmed in London’s West End, where costs are lower, but where there’s also a different contracting set up, so that all cast members leave and start at the same time.
    — Caitlin Huston, HollywoodReporter, 23 July 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • Allow the book to come back to room temperature while still sealed to prevent condensation, which could cause mold or mildew.
    — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
  • The drain pan is intended to catch any condensation and moisture produced by the air conditioner.
    — Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 10 July 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • Participants sit with the elbow bent at a 90-degree angle and perform a brief maximal squeeze on the handle with each hand.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026
  • Finished with a squeeze of fresh lime, a hint of sea salt and subtle notes of hibiscus.
    — Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 21 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • Vanja recognized that the fitness industry’s focus on repetitive, linear movements actively contributes to physical constriction and chronic injury.
    — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

contracting (for)
contraction
contracts
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Cite this Entry

“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of contraction for Spanish Speakers

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