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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flinch
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The Factory at Franklin's parking has significantly shrunk, with a section being reserved for employees.
—
Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Sep. 2025
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 290,000 immigrants will be removed by 2029 — enough to shrink the labor force and affect GDP growth.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
In Pennsylvania, Democrats’ advantage has fallen from close to a million a decade ago to only tens of thousands today, with the gap shrinking dramatically in the last two election cycles.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
The pipeline of workers funding the system is shrinking, while the number of retirees keeps growing.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrink
Gabrielle Chenault, Nashville Tennessean, 27 Sep. 2025
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that 290,000 immigrants will be removed by 2029 — enough to shrink the labor force and affect GDP growth.
—Patricia Lopez, Mercury News, 26 Sep. 2025
In Pennsylvania, Democrats’ advantage has fallen from close to a million a decade ago to only tens of thousands today, with the gap shrinking dramatically in the last two election cycles.
—Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 25 Sep. 2025
The pipeline of workers funding the system is shrinking, while the number of retirees keeps growing.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
-
Today's market compresses product life cycles down to quarters rather than years.—
Matthew Ross,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
-
In Pina and Martínez Lobato’s typical fleet fashion, the show compresses into its first six minutes the many extraordinary events of 22-year-old Max Varela’s (Pau Simón) life.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Skubal, apparently flinching with the noise, balked for only the second time in his career.—
Cody Stavenhagen,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
-
The coaches trust the 6-foot-3, 265-pound defensive end from Sugarland, Texas, to do his thing, even if coaches initially flinch at his intentions.—
Joe Davidson,
Sacbee.com,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Steam decreased 33 percent and gas consumption decreased 12 percent—both due to more consistent production flows.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Austin, Denver have seen rents decrease Such arguments aren’t just economics textbook ideas, say Horowitz and other observers.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.—
Alice Park,
Time,
29 Sep. 2025
-
This interview has been edited and condensed.—
Caroline Mimbs Nyce,
New Yorker,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Perhaps tearing originally grew out of a physiological reflex that restored moisture to the eyes and nasal passages after they had been dried out by the pressure of wincing or the hyperventilation of arousal.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Sep. 2025
-
Democrats – and some Republicans – are wincing at the idea that millions of people soon may not be able to afford health insurance.—
Zachary Schermele,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Zeldin’s cuts have diminished the EPA’s staffing levels, even before Congress has had a chance to weigh in, affecting the environment, public health and government transparency.—
Chris Sellers,
The Conversation,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Though the region’s trade reliance on Washington has rapidly diminished as China has become its biggest market, several nations still rely on the US for a large share of their exports, the loss of which would put millions of livelihoods at risk.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This one is made from ultra-soft mulberry silk that’s lightweight and breathable, and the pull-on style is free of constricting zippers and buttons but has adjustable straps for an ideal fit.—
Shea Simmons,
PEOPLE,
23 Sep. 2025
-
For rosacea, the formation of new collagen helps constrict visible vessels.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Some recoiled at the launch and others quit their positions.—
Nick Penzenstadler,
USA Today,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Americans are recoiling from the Democratic Party, and even in blue states like Colorado, Democrats are feeling the burn.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrink. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share