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
That mandate has become increasingly important to Disney amid the contraction of linear television and cable programming revenue.
—
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
These exercises create strong contractions and deep stretches in the pecs, both of which are important for muscle development.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
And the continent has seen a sharp contraction in new lending from China in recent years.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
That contraction represents a vicious cycle.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
These exercises create strong contractions and deep stretches in the pecs, both of which are important for muscle development.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 1 Feb. 2026
And the continent has seen a sharp contraction in new lending from China in recent years.
—Alexis Akwagyiram, semafor.com, 30 Jan. 2026
That contraction represents a vicious cycle.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 30 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
As reasons for lowering his price forecast, Bank of America’s Post cited a lower Amazon Web Servies multiple reflecting more potential margin uncertainty and overall sector multiple compression.—
Lisa Kailai Han,
CNBC,
6 Feb. 2026
-
Carpal tunnel is identified by the compression of the median nerve, while thoracic outlet involves the compression of the neurovascular bundle.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
5 Feb. 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
-
Public Health staff warned that anyone at the restaurant on that date and time may be at risk of contracting measles 7-21 days after exposure.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
-
The Senate Appropriations Committee amended the bill to remove the authority’s goal of 15% participation by minority businesses and 5% participation from women’s businesses to participate in the procurement and contracting process.—
Michelle L. Quinn,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Jan. 2026
Noun
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This improves indoor air quality and controls humidity to prevent condensation, which can damage buildings and promote mold growth.—
William Bahnfleth,
The Conversation,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Residents should be on the lookout for too much snow and ice that has accumulated on the roof or has too much condensation in the attic.—
Sean Krofssik,
Hartford Courant,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Season simply with salt, a drizzle of olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon.—
Anne Wolf,
Martha Stewart,
7 Feb. 2026
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What was once a slow squeeze has become an acute system failure for patients statewide.—
Andrew Hevesi,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Their mid-rise waistband means no tummy constriction, and the loose legs offer plenty of room to trounce around the terminal without feeling cramped.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
24 Jan. 2026
-
Then came the explosion of streamers followed by a constriction.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
22 Jan. 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 Feb. 2026.
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