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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contraction
This contraction follows a series of recent downsizing efforts.
—
Brian Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026
With an industry still reeling from a major global production contraction, all eyes are on the above-the-line unions who are set to make new deals with the major studios in the coming months after a contentious round of 2023 bargaining that led to historically long, dual writers and actors strikes.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Growth dropped off significantly in 2025 to 1%, with a contraction possible this year.
—Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
Dopamine receptors moderate muscle contractions to create refined rhythmic movement.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Brian Gordon, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026
With an industry still reeling from a major global production contraction, all eyes are on the above-the-line unions who are set to make new deals with the major studios in the coming months after a contentious round of 2023 bargaining that led to historically long, dual writers and actors strikes.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Growth dropped off significantly in 2025 to 1%, with a contraction possible this year.
—Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 24 Feb. 2026
Dopamine receptors moderate muscle contractions to create refined rhythmic movement.
—Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 21 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
An end to an overblown row As finicky and technical as the topic of compression ratios may be to the casual F1 fan, the furore surrounding their policing in the last two months has been a perfect example of F1 politicking.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
-
One standout deal is the Bugatti Wellington 3-piece Hardside Luggage Set, now a whopping $800 off, which includes three easy-to-organize suitcases featuring compression straps and divider panels.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
27 Feb. 2026
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
-
The Fullerton Fire Department brought its ambulance services in-house this month after more than 20 years of contracting with a private ambulance transport service.—
Mona Darwish,
Oc Register,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Michael Dominick has spent over a decade working in aviation MRO, defense contracting, and industrial operations.—
William Jones,
Miami Herald,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
This condensation can freeze and block the flow of fuel, rendering your car incapable of starting.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
27 Feb. 2026
-
High humidity can cause condensation to build up on windows and walls, creating the perfect environment for mold.—
Emily Benda Gaylord,
The Spruce,
23 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Casey Borba then executed a safety squeeze to score Temo Becerra and make it 5-0 Longhorns.—
David Eckert,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Mar. 2026
-
When Salesforce reported, a short squeeze ensued.—
Jim Cramer,
CNBC,
1 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
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
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 3 Mar. 2026.
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