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
Relevance
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
Another agent pointed to how contractions in post-strike, post-pandemic Hollywood have decimated the theater business, creating new opportunities that Netflix would be foolish to pass up.
—
Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Readings below 50 indicate contraction.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
The sub-indexes tracking production, new orders, raw material inventory and employment all sunk further into contraction, official data showed, pointing to a deeper manufacturing slowdown and softer demand.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
At that point, her contractions were constant.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Chris Lee, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
Readings below 50 indicate contraction.
—Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 3 Nov. 2025
The sub-indexes tracking production, new orders, raw material inventory and employment all sunk further into contraction, official data showed, pointing to a deeper manufacturing slowdown and softer demand.
—Anniek Bao, CNBC, 31 Oct. 2025
At that point, her contractions were constant.
—Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
The sock maker could also deliver compression socks, which in-flight employees have requested.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Suspension duties come courtesy of a Marzocchi setup that takes care of compression and rebound damping separately at both front and rear.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Nov. 2025
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
-
Kerri VanMeveren, who owns Amazing Traditions, a government contracting business in Belton, Missouri, said her $129 monthly Obamacare premium will jump to about $700 a month next year.—
Caitlyn Reilly,
Fortune,
11 Nov. 2025
-
Since the contracting marketplace has left producers with fewer options, some in the industry suspect that Black Bear’s new shingle is mainly designed to guarantee theatrical releases for its own films.—
Gregg Goldstein,
Variety,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
There's also an air condensation mechanism that produces a few liters of potable water daily, along with a stable Wi-Fi connection.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
7 Nov. 2025
-
The dew or condensation on the ground, vegetation, and surfaces like your car will subsequently freeze.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The financial services industry has quietly become an artificial intelligence battleground and Lemonade, ticker LMND , is back in focus putting the 'squeeze' on the massive insurance industry that is seen as analog in the new digital world.—
Todd Gordon,
CNBC,
4 Nov. 2025
-
In parallel, the dramatic drop in international student enrollment, the financial squeeze facing research institutions, and research security measures to curb foreign interference spell an uncertain future for American higher education.—
Kenneth M. Evans,
The Conversation,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Physical changes which happen during menopause that have to do with dilation or constriction of the blood vessels and impact body temperature are known as vasomotor symptoms.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
17 Oct. 2025
-
The receptors control constriction and dilation in the smooth muscle fibers in the walls of these blood vessels.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
Video
On Contractions of Multiple Words
You all would not have guessed some of these
Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share