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 Marine iguanas, for example, reabsorb some of their bone material to shrink when their watery habitat gets warmer, while young salmon have been known to shrink at winter's onset. Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025 Yet cuts to the program proposed by the House — which would shrink the program’s funding by about $300 billion through 2034 — would put those benefits at risk. Lorie Konish, CNBC, 21 May 2025 Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news Listen to this Article A human can’t shrink away from the threats of climate change. Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2025 Though East Contra Costa has been the hub of refinery activities in Northern California, the number of jobs in the remaining refineries was limited, and had been shrinking in the past decade. Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
  • The interstellar medium in our Milky Way galaxy is magnetic, can be compressed, and is turbulent.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 19 May 2025
  • So much fresh spinach done for you, cooked down and compressed for you.
    Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • When Afrikaner apartheid was instituted in 1948, Washington didn’t flinch.
    Time, Time, 22 May 2025
  • The game was scoreless until Amarillo scored twice in the top of the seventh, but Aledo didn’t flinch.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2025
Verb
  • Nord decreased our upload speeds by 38.37% and our latency by 29.26%.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 20 May 2025
  • Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Michael Cuby, Them., 14 May 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condense for length and clarity.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 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
  • But missing those goals doesn’t diminish the importance of potentially revising the target, for which the Paris Agreement includes a review mechanism, Stokes said.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 21 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 29 May. 2025.

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