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
According to reseachers, grabbing legs combined AL contraction with PL bending to wrap and lift objects up to 6 g—30 times the leg’s weight—with 90 percent performance retained after 100 cycles.
—
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
The adjustment brought a deep contraction in 2024, big utility bill hikes, and stagnating incomes that only started clawing back in 2025.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
That’s because plyometrics involve quick movements and concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Oct. 2025
The closing of textile mills, the loss of manufacturing jobs — particularly from an Oshkosh B’Gosh factory in nearby Clay County that moved to Mexico in the mid-Nineties — induced a steady contraction of the local economy.
—David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Oct. 2025
The adjustment brought a deep contraction in 2024, big utility bill hikes, and stagnating incomes that only started clawing back in 2025.
—Agustina Vergara Cid, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
That’s because plyometrics involve quick movements and concentric (shortening) and eccentric (lengthening) muscle contractions.
—Jenny McCoy, SELF, 24 Oct. 2025
The closing of textile mills, the loss of manufacturing jobs — particularly from an Oshkosh B’Gosh factory in nearby Clay County that moved to Mexico in the mid-Nineties — induced a steady contraction of the local economy.
—David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
Spanx Supersmooth Perfect Fit Ponte Micro Flare Pant Speaking of smoothing, these dress pants have compression from waist to knee and a subtle flare leg — like your favorite yoga pants but office appropriate.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Daviet died of cardiorespiratory failure with signs of asphyxiation and cervical compression, according to the police prosecutor’s statement.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
24 Oct. 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
-
Jacobson tells us what conclusions emerged from the forum about how to rebuild in the face of defunding and a contracting market in general for documentaries.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
-
The effort has also faced criticism over transparency after reports revealed that more than 2,000 people involved were required to sign nondisclosure agreements, limiting public access to spending and contracting details.—
Martha McHardy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Inside, temperature layers could create condensation to support plant growth.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
23 Oct. 2025
-
Paint will degrade over time in unregulated temperatures, especially as weather fluctuates for the seasons, and electronics will collect condensation in their circuit boards, internal pieces, and electrical equipment—all of which will cause warping and corrosion over time.—
Michelle Mastro,
Architectural Digest,
23 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There’s no need to use a caulking gun to apply it, just remove the cap and squeeze.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
24 Oct. 2025
-
The data, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Wednesday, shows that the financial squeeze on consumers and businesses remains high, but there are hopes this could be the peak.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
22 Oct. 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 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share