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
The superheroes run back to the ship, where Sue starts to have contractions.
—
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
Ultimately, the second-quarter growth undid the first quarter’s contraction, though economic growth slowed in the first half of the year.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
While the industry churn rate has held steady at -12%, Charter’s contraction was far less dramatic at -5%.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 July 2025
Alf — a contraction of the designer’s first and last names — is a unisex line that aims to bring some fresh energy into the segment with tongue-in-cheek symbols and unexpected materials, like her baby head rings sprouting tufts of colorful fake fur.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2025
Ultimately, the second-quarter growth undid the first quarter’s contraction, though economic growth slowed in the first half of the year.
—Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 1 Aug. 2025
While the industry churn rate has held steady at -12%, Charter’s contraction was far less dramatic at -5%.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 28 July 2025
Alf — a contraction of the designer’s first and last names — is a unisex line that aims to bring some fresh energy into the segment with tongue-in-cheek symbols and unexpected materials, like her baby head rings sprouting tufts of colorful fake fur.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
Many frequent flyers swear by compression socks as a way to keep blood flowing and reduce swelling during long flights.—
Symiah Dorsey,
Southern Living,
15 Aug. 2025
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People have many opinions on which travel accessories are the best, from compression packing cubes that save luggage space to toiletry bags that can hang on the bathroom door.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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One more beer, condensation rolling down the can in the lazy swell of this fine summer afternoon.—
Kristen Arnett
August 7,
Literary Hub,
7 Aug. 2025
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There are telltale signs that there's too much moisture in your house, from condensation to unpleasant odors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Start simple: Begin with raw oysters, a squeeze of lemon and a crisp Blanc de Blancs, then branch out.—
Jill Barth,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
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But the roof rush isn’t just about weatherproofing — it’s tied to an affordability squeeze that’s reshaping Florida’s housing market.—
CD Goette-Luciak,
Miami Herald,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Yet Fuller found her own identity—as a woman and a writer—to be a source of confusion, and sometimes constriction.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
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But labor force growth was capped by constriction in several sectors.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
3 July 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 26 Aug. 2025.
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