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shrinkage

noun

ˈshriŋ-kij How to pronounce shrinkage (audio)
Definition of shrinkagenext
as in decrease
the amount by which something is lessened she knew that her diet was working by the striking shrinkage of her waist

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 shrinkage Debris from asteroid and comet impacts has obscured evidence of the planet's shrinkage. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 Scientists from the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Space Research reported Thursday that Mercury’s shrinkage may be 30% greater than previously believed — a loss in diameter of as much as 14 miles (23 kilometers). — ABC News, 10 Sep. 2026 In November 2026, the BepiColombo mission will start conducting scans of Mercury's surface in much higher resolution than this, and that could reveal even more shrinkage features. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Sep. 2026 Regularly lowering sonar tools and mechanical sensors allows operators to map shifting cavern walls, track structural shrinkage, and inspect steel casings and cement seals for fractures. — Siddharth Misra, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrinkage
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinkage
  1. decrease
  2. reduction
  3. dent
  4. decline
  5. drop
Noun
  • With a decrease in revenue, some or all of these services will be cut back.
    — Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The district reported decreases in the number of students who are low-income, English language learners or in temporary living situations.
    — Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of decrease
Noun
  • The successor stadium is significantly larger—by over a half-a-million square feet—than what existed before while accommodating only 35,000 fans, a 26% reduction from the old stadium and, by far, the smallest capacity in the Big Ten.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • According to a district webpage, the bulk of the reduction plan will be implemented this school year.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of reduction
Noun
  • Photos show two apparent bullet holes in the blue Toyota Corolla’s back passenger window, plus a big dent in the front passenger door.
    — Peter Weber, TheWeek, 21 Sep. 2026
  • When shopping for apples, choose fruits that are firm and free from bruises and dents.
    — Jillian Kubala, HEALTH, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of dent
Noun
  • That was a sharp decline from the previous few years, when more than 100,000 people died of drug overdoses.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026
  • But the new report, which also presents trends over the past decade, shows a decline in suicidal thinking and behaviors, which initially showed up in the 2023 YRBS data.
    — Rhitu Chatterjee, NPR, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of decline
Noun
  • One play before the touchdown, Cobb made up for his earlier drop with a catch-and-run on a screen pass that went for 46 yards and moved the ball to the Kennesaw State 2.
    — Michael Harley, Arkansas Online, 27 Sep. 2026
  • The travel-booking company also says that travelers headed to major cities for Thanksgiving or Christmas could see a price drop for hotels in the last 24-48 hours before the holiday.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of drop

Browse Nearby Words

shrink
shrinkage
shrinkages
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shrinkage.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinkage. Accessed 28 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shrinkage

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shrinkage

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