variants
or shrunk
1
as in compressed
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter
the sweater will shrink a little when washed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in flinched
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in decreased
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
his crush on her is likely to shrink after they start their new lives on different college campuses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shrank
The gap from first to the rest of the field shrunk ever-so-slightly last week.
—
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
As some contract employers attempted to be as transparent as possible, NASA's communication efforts with its own workforce shrank over the course of the year.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Mexico’s economy shrank for the first time in years amid tensions with the US, fueling concerns of a recession.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The brand stripped away the outdoor weatherproofing (since most people were using it inside), which shrunk its footprint dramatically without sacrificing power.
—Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Between the presidential elections of 1880 and 1912, for example, Mississippi’s population grew by almost two-thirds while its electorate shrank remarkably.
—Time, 29 Oct. 2025
The former footballer shrank away in horror, as he was ambushed from behind by a masked man during a broadcast, all as part of a pre-Halloween prank.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025
Yes, maybe Israel’s room to maneuver has shrunk in some ways, but that still seems very far from an international solution being forced upon them in Gaza, where foreign troops help pave the way for a Palestinian state or something.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Small and medium-sized enterprises also shrank by about 71,000, or 14 percent, though most of that loss was recouped within five years.
—Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 2 Nov. 2025
As some contract employers attempted to be as transparent as possible, NASA's communication efforts with its own workforce shrank over the course of the year.
—Josh Dinner, Space.com, 31 Oct. 2025
Mexico’s economy shrank for the first time in years amid tensions with the US, fueling concerns of a recession.
—Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The brand stripped away the outdoor weatherproofing (since most people were using it inside), which shrunk its footprint dramatically without sacrificing power.
—Editors Of Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Oct. 2025
Between the presidential elections of 1880 and 1912, for example, Mississippi’s population grew by almost two-thirds while its electorate shrank remarkably.
—Time, 29 Oct. 2025
The former footballer shrank away in horror, as he was ambushed from behind by a masked man during a broadcast, all as part of a pre-Halloween prank.
—Raechal Shewfelt, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Oct. 2025
Yes, maybe Israel’s room to maneuver has shrunk in some ways, but that still seems very far from an international solution being forced upon them in Gaza, where foreign troops help pave the way for a Palestinian state or something.
—Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
Small and medium-sized enterprises also shrank by about 71,000, or 14 percent, though most of that loss was recouped within five years.
—Ugo Troiano, Oc Register, 25 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrank
Verb
-
Even when compressed up to 20 times, the accuracy is still about 60%.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The events that unfold are compressed, both in time and in space, and the pressure is enormous.—
Karl Ove Knausgaard,
New Yorker,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Sharen Gibson, 72, never flinched.—
Barbara Bry,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Oct. 2025
-
But none of the band members ever flinched over the divide that formed over their pre- and post-Vheissu sound.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Silver There was a time when owning silver was a rite of passage and, while its panache has decreased in recent year, there's still inherent value in this precious metal.—
Heather Bien,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and decreased joint mobility.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
31 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Without them, revenue constricted, theaters closed and staff were laid off.—
Ilan Berman,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Plus, the faux leather material has some give, so your foot won’t feel constricted.—
Shea Simmons,
People.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Blazy, a Parisian born and bred, recoiled from the claim.—
Nathan Heller,
Vogue,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Some recoiled at the launch and others quit their positions.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Rainfall has diminished across Jamaica.—
MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT,
Miami Herald,
29 Oct. 2025
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However, the 26-year-old’s potential never materialized, leaving Vrabel to explain in late August why White’s role had diminished late in training camp.—
Doug Kyed,
Boston Herald,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The earthquake shook at a depth of just 3 miles, with its epicenter roughly 4 miles northwest of Pinnacles.—
CA Earthquake Bot,
Sacbee.com,
29 Oct. 2025
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The Breakers shook off early losses to Mater Dei and San Clemente to set the school record for most wins in a regular season.—
Dan Albano,
Oc Register,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The at-bats were brief and uneventful, the opposite of the approach that carried Toronto to this stage and felled Snell in Game 1.—
Andy McCullough,
New York Times,
26 Oct. 2025
-
That says a lot about the 2025 Red Sox, who were a top offensive team in many metrics, but were also felled by their bats in crucial spots throughout the year and postseason.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrank.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrank. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
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