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 The district reduced its deficit this year and expects to shrink it further in each of the next few years. Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Oct. 2025 Notably, while more zero-premium Part D plans are available in some areas, the total number of plans overall is shrinking, Cubanski said. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 19 Oct. 2025 The Iranian middle class, long a force of political moderation, stability, economic growth, and the base of the country’s reform movement, is shrinking fast under the pressure of Western sanctions, researchers say. Leila Gharagozlou, CNN Money, 19 Oct. 2025 Your treatment team may recommend radiation before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Carrie Madormo, Health, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
  • And the extreme pressure and friction of the move compresses the air molecules in front of Starship, creating a glowing plasma that is the signature of the stretch of flight known as reentry.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Some corporate margins, which have proven remarkably resilient, could compress if demand softens.
    Michael Khouw, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Ross passed the day's examination with flying colors – barely flinching at the rubber chicken.
    Laura L. Davis, Nashville Tennessean, 6 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
  • Though the number of uninsured motorist was decreasing during the 2010s, the COVID-19 pandemic reversed the trend, with some Americans, who were driving less often, dropping their insurance, USA TODAY reported.
    Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025
  • In addition, the rebound numbers could decrease for Towns.
    Stan Son, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The vapor then condenses into liquid water inside a vacuum condenser.
    Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Why Paying More Miles Was Worth It Points pros might wince at using KrisFlyer for all segments when Star Alliance partner programs like Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus can price lower.
    Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Lina winces at the sound of Jaya munching on an apple, made worse by the static on the line.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Bean and squash yields (as measured by weight) were reduced when intercropped with maize, while maize yields were only slightly diminished when intercropped.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Alzheimer’s disease drugs Caffeine constricts blood vessels and tightens the blood-brain barrier, potentially limiting how much Alzheimer’s medication reaches the brain and reducing its therapeutic benefit.
    Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
  • Relationships that feel financially or emotionally constricting may feel harder to ignore now.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Sep. 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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