as in afraid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in revulsion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in diminishing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in compressing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in recoiling
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in decreasing
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shrinking
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.
—Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Poor performance, shrinking market share, or stagnant growth are harder to conceal, especially in an economic climate supported by a strong stock market in 2023 and continued growth in 2024.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Slower growth in China and weaker stock markets in Europe played a role in shrinking the fortunes of hundreds of billionaires.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Technology miniaturisation is moving fast in the audio world as surface mount speakers and tiny microphones mean electronic devices are still shrinking as performance expands.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Starbucks With sales shrinking in its biggest markets, Starbucks poached Chipotle Mexican Grill star CEO Brian Niccol to turn around the coffee chain’s fortunes, replacing Laxman Narasimhan.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
The pool of available CPAs has been shrinking as Baby Boomers and some Gen Xers retire.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.
—Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Poor performance, shrinking market share, or stagnant growth are harder to conceal, especially in an economic climate supported by a strong stock market in 2023 and continued growth in 2024.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Slower growth in China and weaker stock markets in Europe played a role in shrinking the fortunes of hundreds of billionaires.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Technology miniaturisation is moving fast in the audio world as surface mount speakers and tiny microphones mean electronic devices are still shrinking as performance expands.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Starbucks With sales shrinking in its biggest markets, Starbucks poached Chipotle Mexican Grill star CEO Brian Niccol to turn around the coffee chain’s fortunes, replacing Laxman Narasimhan.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking
Adjective
-
Like Tracy, the high school student, Jordan was afraid of the overpass.—
Ariane Lange,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2025
-
Certain breeds, like smaller ones, or those bred for companionship, are more likely to be afraid of cats.—
Maria Azzurra Volpe,
MSNBC Newsweek,
16 June 2025
Noun
-
Given teenage revulsion if not denial at the thought of aging, this might be the scariest moment in the entire series.—
Bruce Handy,
Vulture,
20 May 2025
-
The recognition of their similarity seems to breed revulsion, not solidarity.—
Moira Donegan,
New Yorker,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
At the time, David was a bit timid around dogs and initially kept his distance.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
3 June 2025
-
In the film, Colin, a timid man is swept off his feet when Ray, an enigmatic, impossibly handsome biker takes him on as his submissive.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
Thus, when leaders mimic empathetic phrases without genuine feeling, teams subconsciously recoil, cementing emotional barriers.—
Sahar Andrade,
Forbes.com,
5 June 2025
-
Perhaps the most controversial change coming this wipe is the new recoil system.—
Mike Stubbs,
Forbes,
23 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
The crossbody bag option, meanwhile, is less constricting and makes a stylish statement piece on top of any casual outfit.—
Clint Davis,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Dec. 2024
-
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.—
Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2025
-
After his round, the Irishman did not tolerate the media diminishing his spot in the tournament.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Instead, federal authorities are hiding, apparently too frightened of online provocateurs and in-person hecklers to do their duty in plain sight.—
Anita Chabria,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
-
Others who live close to the jail were downright frightened.—
Chris Kenning,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
Adjective
-
The story itself is stripped to bone and sinew: a sleepy New England beach town that wants tourist dollars more than truth, an invisible killer in plain water, and three men — one scared sheriff, one cocky scientist, one Ahab of a fisherman — set adrift to settle nature’s score.—
Philip Martin,
Arkansas Online,
19 June 2025
-
With no cell service or any experience with snakes, Wall was scared.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
19 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
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