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 opening follows a period of contraction.
—
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
In a year where anxiety over studio contraction and the rise of artificial intelligence often consumed the industry, both films gave Hollywood fresh hope.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
In a year where anxiety over studio contraction and the rise of artificial intelligence often consumed the industry, both films gave Hollywood fresh hope.
—Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
But Lanvin was not immune to the market contraction.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
In a year where anxiety over studio contraction and the rise of artificial intelligence often consumed the industry, both films gave Hollywood fresh hope.
—Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
In a year where anxiety over studio contraction and the rise of artificial intelligence often consumed the industry, both films gave Hollywood fresh hope.
—Dallas Morning News, 15 Mar. 2026
But Lanvin was not immune to the market contraction.
—Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 13 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
The pressure causes air to sink toward the ground, where the compression of air causes temperatures to increase.—
Roberto Villalpando,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Most existing compression systems rely on large control boxes that regulate multiple valves.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
21 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Concacaf is not the only confederation squeezing games into FIFA windows around the club calendar.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
13 Mar. 2026
-
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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With limited financial security, the couple pivoted strategically into federal contracting, a move that helped stabilize the starting company.—
Brianna Mantaras,
Miami Herald,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Allegations against her administration included lavish spending on travel, questionable contracting, and retaliation complaints from former employees.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
16 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Moisture from condensation can also pool on cold sills in winter, feeding mold or mildew if it is not wiped away regularly.—
Shagun Khare,
The Spruce,
13 Mar. 2026
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But window frames often become moldy due to moisture from condensation.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
13 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
This time around, DeRosa has likely learned from Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s miscalculation and will call upon Hill in a squeeze.—
Johnny Flores Jr,
New York Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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Finish with a small squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the richness.—
Marianne Williams,
Southern Living,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
Symptoms can include throat swelling, airway constriction, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.—
Ann Pietrangelo,
Verywell Health,
4 Mar. 2026
Video
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 21 Mar. 2026.
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