shrink

1
as in to compress
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word shrink different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and deflate. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

When would compress be a good substitute for shrink?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When might condense be a better fit than shrink?

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could constrict be used to replace shrink?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When can contract be used instead of shrink?

The words contract and shrink can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

In what contexts can deflate take the place of shrink?

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

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 shrink Months later, Musk's bombastic plan to slash the bureaucracy has been blunted by a flurry of legal challenges that allege DOGE overstepped its authority, circumvented privacy laws, and disregarded protocols for shrinking the workforce. Stephen Fowler, NPR, 16 June 2025 Unless Congress takes action to prevent it, Social Security payment amounts are set to shrink. Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 15 June 2025 In order to get back to growth, Gap had to shrink first. Ryan Baker, CNBC, 14 June 2025 The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but the workforce shrank by 625,000 people. Scott Horsley, NPR, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
  • Additionally, gross margins are projected to compress by 4 to 5 percentage points due to aggressive inventory clearance strategies.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • Although Winters captures Sophie’s despair, her character gets compressed into a plot point and her arc produces a jarring shift in mood.
    Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Udoka would’ve been another strong fit, but Houston never flinched.
    Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 11 June 2025
  • However, the 27-year-old right-hander barely flinched and casually walked off the field as soon as the play was over.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 4 June 2025
Verb
  • The top three contributors to hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 25 June 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 25 June 2025
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed, but the full version is available on the 12 Questions podcast.
    Jeff Gluck, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
    Juan J. Arroyo, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Spieth struggled throughout his opening round and was seen wincing in pain several times, even losing hold of a club.
    Kendall Capps, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • Harper crumbled to one knee, wincing in anguish, as Phillies fans quaked with their worst possible nightmare — that their superstar first-baseman is seriously injured.
    Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • But all this trouble didn’t diminish his affection.
    Brett Berk, Robb Report, 26 June 2025
  • And the chaos does gradually diminish, like a pot of stock boiled down to a sauce.
    Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Our tester loved the thickness and softness of the fabric, which felt supportive but never constricting.
    Esme Benjamin, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • Stress on the Heart and Blood Vessels Alcohol can cause blood vessels to constrict and heart rate to increase, putting extra strain on the cardiovascular system.
    Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • Financial markets recoiled, and Mr. Trump paused most, but not all, of his tariffs.
    Daisuke Wakabayashi, New York Times, 21 May 2025
  • Here's the news: Some Republicans recoiled at the Trump-Musk feud.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrink. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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