Synonyms of shrink

shrink

verb

ˈshriŋk 

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

• compress
• decrease
• condense
• constrict
• collapse
• contract
• flatten
• diminish
• withdraw
• shrivel
• recede
• wither
• retreat
• wilt
• lessen
• dry up
• dwindle
• deflate
• abate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• expand
• swell
• increase
• grow
• accumulate
• snowball
• balloon
• inflate
• puff (up)
• balloon

2

as in to flinch

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust

shrinking back from the approaching flames

Synonyms & Similar Words

• flinch
• wince
• recoil
• cringe
• shudder
• hesitate
• tremble
• blench
• quail
• shake
• blanch
• squinch
• whiten
• pale
• quiver
• recede
• withdraw
• retreat
• falter
• quake
• crouch
• twitch
• retire
• jerk
• start
• waver
• reel

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• approach
• advance
• face
• confront
• challenge
• beard
• near
• defy

3

as in to decrease

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

• decrease
• diminish
• subside
• vanish
• decline
• fall
• ease
• recede
• dwindle
• wane
• moderate
• lessen
• taper
• ebb
• die (away or down or out)
• fall away
• drain (away)
• weaken
• drop (off)
• taper off
• evaporate
• relent
• remit
• lower
• abate
• pall
• let up
• compress
• phase down
• ratchet (down)
• rachet (down)
• collapse
• constrict
• de-escalate
• fade (away)
• condense
• alleviate
• slow (down)
• tail (off)
• relax
• slacken
• contract
• melt (away)
• give out
• peter (out)
• sink
• deflate
• fritter (away)
• cave (in)
• flag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• increase
• grow
• expand
• rise
• build
• enlarge
• swell
• intensify
• accumulate
• soar
• escalate
• appear
• mount
• pick up
• emerge
• wax
• show up
• snowball
• burgeon
• balloon
• mushroom
• lengthen
• elongate
• blow up
• distend

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

Recent Examples of shrink

By midday, the police presence at the home on High Drive in a quiet residential neighborhood had shrunk to a smaller group of investigators seen processing items from the residence outdoors. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 10 Nov. 2026

On Monday night, a comfortable 11-point lead had shrunk to 20-17 midway through the fourth quarter. — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026

This approach extends capacity beyond what manufacturers could achieve through shrinking a flat arrangement of cells alone. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026

The result is rapidly aging workforces in most of the world, and the population in parts of Europe is already shrinking. — Daron Acemoglu, Time, 7 Nov. 2026