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 In fact, Hele offers a shortening kit that shrinks the platform down to 5.5 feet (1.7 m), aiming for the most universal vehicle fit. New Atlas, 12 May 2025 The Dow Industrials, Nasdaq 100 and S & P 500 have shrunken their 2025 losses and are all down less than 1% in the period. Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 12 May 2025 After the turn of the decade in 2020, a world that was once encouraged to expand its views on fatness regressed into shrinking itself, giving way to a community and plus-size fashion industry in rapid decline. Essence, 12 May 2025 Airlines would just shrink the size of their seats even more, leaving all of us scrambling desperately to feel a little less tortured on our next flights. Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 10 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
  • The potatoes are cooked low and slow in the oven, then compressed overnight.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Rising interest rates have compressed valuations, rotating investor appetite toward value, dividends, and defensive plays.
    Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • But rookie Gwyneth Philips hasn’t flinched in Maschmeyer’s absence.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025
  • Tamar Braxton has never been one to flinch at the truth.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 5 May 2025
Verb
  • Research has also shown that being outside in nature can help decrease anxiety, stress, and anger, according to a UC Davis Health blog post.
    Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 8 May 2025
  • Load Or Run The Dishwasher Loading the dishwasher every night greatly helps decrease the visual clutter and mess that's in your kitchen.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Michael Cuby, Them., 14 May 2025
  • This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Jessica DuLong, CNN Money, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • Others lowered themselves from a ladder, wincing all the way.
    Julia Whelan Emma Kehlbeck Jeremy McLennan, New York Times, 2 May 2025
  • As the trailer depicts, the shame of his past follows him into Thunderbolts*, with the character wincing over bad press about him in the newspaper.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 May 2025
  • Considering Sunderland have scored one goal in their last six matches, five of which have been lost, confidence on Wearside of a trip to Wembley has diminished.
    Michael Walker, New York Times, 8 May 2025
Verb
  • His research suggests that stress hormones can constrict tiny blood vessels surrounding the heart, which decrease blood flow.
    Aria Bendix, NBC news, 14 May 2025
  • Nerve fibers send a message about lower salt levels to your brain, and the autonomic nervous system responds by constricting the blood vessels.
    Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
Verb
  • In a clip shared by Variety, Stone noticed and pointed to a bee flying just overhead, and subsequently stopped posing to recoil with a laugh.
    Bailey Richards, People.com, 17 May 2025
  • That heartbreak reverberated across the Charlotte region as arts and culture groups recoiled at the cuts and what might come next.
    Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrink. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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