1
as in compresses
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in recoils
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in decreases
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shrinks
The eye of that needle shrinks by the day.
—
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
When the economy shifts or supply shrinks, demand shifts to used cars, which then experience their own spike in values.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 Mar. 2026
What begins as a domestic imbalance turns literal when Les accidentally shrinks Lindy to doll size during a botched experiment, forcing the pair to confront long-simmering tensions in entirely new ways.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
When either wobbles, the margin for error shrinks fast.
—Michael Fealey, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Naturally, that shrinks the spending power.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Once citizens begin to wonder whether criticism of public officials might trigger scrutiny, participation in civic life inevitably shrinks.
—Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Not Carolyn, who shrinks even from Calvin’s attempt to document her elegant outfit — John’s button-down shirt tucked into a black skirt, a CBK classic — with a Polaroid.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
If other states mint new millionaires faster—through a tech boom (in California), an energy boom (in Texas), or real-estate inflation (in Florida)—New York’s slice shrinks regardless of migration.
—Christopher Marquis, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
When the economy shifts or supply shrinks, demand shifts to used cars, which then experience their own spike in values.
—Byron Hurd, The Drive, 4 Mar. 2026
What begins as a domestic imbalance turns literal when Les accidentally shrinks Lindy to doll size during a botched experiment, forcing the pair to confront long-simmering tensions in entirely new ways.
—Arushi Jacob, Variety, 3 Mar. 2026
When either wobbles, the margin for error shrinks fast.
—Michael Fealey, Sportico.com, 28 Feb. 2026
Naturally, that shrinks the spending power.
—Colton Pouncy, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2026
Once citizens begin to wonder whether criticism of public officials might trigger scrutiny, participation in civic life inevitably shrinks.
—Bob Shaw, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026
Not Carolyn, who shrinks even from Calvin’s attempt to document her elegant outfit — John’s button-down shirt tucked into a black skirt, a CBK classic — with a Polaroid.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 20 Feb. 2026
If other states mint new millionaires faster—through a tech boom (in California), an energy boom (in Texas), or real-estate inflation (in Florida)—New York’s slice shrinks regardless of migration.
—Christopher Marquis, Time, 18 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinks
Verb
-
In operation, the actuator compresses and holds the Ni-Ti tubes, causing the material to heat up.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
5 Feb. 2026
-
Their terahertz microscope compresses long terahertz waves into a microscopic spot.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
4 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
There’s a scene in which Frank meets his own idol, an alt-world version of Fred Astaire (played by Gyllenhaal’s brother Jake, who is good at mugging and singing), and vomits his fandom at him until the actor recoils.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Mar. 2026
-
At some point, each of us is faced with a clingy child, a dramatic friend, a partner who recoils at the first hint of intimacy, a volatile parent or a controlling boss — in short, a difficult relationship.—
Jessica A. Stern,
The Conversation,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
When blood vessels relax, the pressure inside them decreases.—
Carrie Madormo,
Health,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness Obstructive sleep apnea decreases the total amount of quality sleep.—
Ashley Olivine,
Verywell Health,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Feb. 2026
-
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.—
Amy Feldman,
Forbes.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Lubezki’s camera gets close to the action and never flinches, which underscores Iñarritu’s commitment to excessive mayhem at every turn.—
Eric Kohn,
IndieWire,
25 Feb. 2026
-
Cash flinches from this cascade of consequences.—
Gideon Leek,
The Atlantic,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Maybe the immediate need diminishes a bit after free agency.—
Mike DeFabo,
New York Times,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The network does not air the BAFTAs live, but edits and condenses the three-hour show into a two-hour program to be broadcast later.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
-
Without good ventilation, the warm steam cools and condenses on walls, floors, and other surfaces.—
Brandee Gruener,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Bryan winces after weighing in at 597 lbs.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
9 Dec. 2025
-
When the crowd begins hooting in response, Nanjiani winces.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
3 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinks. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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