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
Peterson, who began cross-country skiing at age five, has a neurological condition known as dystonia that causes involuntary muscle contractions in her left arm and leg.
—
Emily Chen-Newton, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
The ceremony’s cancellation, coming just weeks before the Academy Awards, casts a shadow over the upcoming contraction negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios and streamers.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, supports muscle contractions, and keeps heart rhythm steady.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026
This confirmed that the fracturing was a physical process dependent on the incredible strain of heart contractions.
—Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Emily Chen-Newton, NPR, 4 Mar. 2026
The ceremony’s cancellation, coming just weeks before the Academy Awards, casts a shadow over the upcoming contraction negotiations between the WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which represents the studios and streamers.
—Stacy Perman, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026
Potassium helps regulate blood pressure, supports muscle contractions, and keeps heart rhythm steady.
—Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026
This confirmed that the fracturing was a physical process dependent on the incredible strain of heart contractions.
—Clare Watson, Quanta Magazine, 27 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
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As the driver took off, the frantic mother carried her son back inside the hospital, where teams of doctors performed chest compressions and other rescue efforts, but failed to save him.—
Dave Carlin,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
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The makeup department added scars to Shaynak’s knees and legs to reflect his character’s backstory, but the compression socks Shaynak wore were his own.—
Marah Eakin,
Vulture,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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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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Financing, workforce and contracting processes are some of the central areas that need improving, according to a legislative committee on Housing Construction Innovation chaired by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland.—
Amancai Biraben,
Daily News,
4 Mar. 2026
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Because Plankey is a nominee who's awaiting Senate confirmation, he is generally expected to avoid involvement in agency operations, particularly those related to the department's contracting.—
Nicole Sganga,
CBS News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Without proper circulation, any water from leaks or condensation just linger, and if it’s not addressed—which is often the case in a space like the basement—then mold and mildew forms.—
Quincy Bulin,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
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The sun hitting the condensation trail was responsible for projecting the sea jelly onto the sky, according to reporting by Florida Today, part of the USA TODAY Network.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Stuart Fairchild clubbed a go-ahead two-run homer for the Taiwan team in the eighth inning, while a squeeze bunt broke a tie in the tenth inning.—
Maria Torres,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Drugmakers are also a favorite among short-sellers, leaving them susceptible to a squeeze.—
Liz Napolitano,
CNBC,
6 Mar. 2026
Noun
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This smoothing tank top is made from a soft material that form-fits to the body and offers compression without constriction.—
Jessie Quinn,
StyleCaster,
9 Mar. 2026
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Symptoms can include throat swelling, airway constriction, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
4 Mar. 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 11 Mar. 2026.
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