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

One of the main causes of floaters is posterior vitreous detachment, or PVD, which occurs when the shrinking vitreous gel pulls away from the retina entirely. —Cathy Nelson, Health, 13 Mar. 2026

The state also shrank its Executive Branch workforce by 10% in that decade, a downsizing that continues to trigger mandatory overtime in certain key agencies. —Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2026

So has the gap, because of quality of talent, shrunk? —Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2026

In Japan, Germany, and South Korea, shrinking working-age populations have already strained manufacturing and services for years. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 13 Mar. 2026