narrow (down)

verb

Definition of narrow (down)next
as in to compress
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together plans to narrow down the scope of the investigation into the government scandal

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for narrow (down)
  1. compress
  2. condense
  3. squeeze
Verb
  • This swimsuit has built-in shapewear, designed to shape and compress everywhere, with subtle draping at the tummy.
    — Alexandra Malmed, InStyle, 16 July 2026
  • Those pulses create the extreme conditions needed to compress fusion fuel, while also supporting high-energy-density physics experiments used in materials research, radioisotope production and national security.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 16 July 2026
Definition of compress
Verb
  • Not only was this World Cup in Qatar played at the ‘wrong’ time of the year to avoid the summer heat, but it was also condensed into a shorter-than-usual timeframe, so maybe rest ahead of the final was particularly vital.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 14 July 2026
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for concision and clarity.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 14 July 2026
Definition of condense
Verb
  • Every new theorem ratchets one wall inward, squeezing the gap a little tighter.
    — Sam Macdonald, Scientific American, 15 July 2026
  • The brain-squeezing rush of those starts is nearly indescribable.
    — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 15 July 2026
Definition of squeeze
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.

Browse Nearby Words

narrow boats
narrow (down)
narrowed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Narrow (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/narrow%20%28down%29. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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