compress

verb

kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
Definition of compressnext
1
as in to condense
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shrink
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the substance can compress under pressure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word compress different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of compress are condense, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," 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 compress?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of compress?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When could contract be used to replace compress?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress, 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 compress?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When would shrink be a good substitute for compress?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. However, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

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 compress Now, the other part that can’t be compressed, but then again maybe can, is the actual clinical development. —Fortune Editors, Fortune, 9 July 2025 But there's an additional hypothesis that doesn't require as much mass: a relatively small explosion on a white dwarf's surface can compress the interior enough to restart fusion in stars that haven't yet reached a critical mass. —ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025 So companies are working on ways to reduce or compress the data. —Jon Hamilton, NPR, 30 June 2025 Keep in mind that before any frog’s hook grab meat inside a fish’s mouth, the body of the frog has to compress and expose those points. —Kristine Fischer, Outdoor Life, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
  1. condense
  2. shrink
  3. squeeze
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • Their margins have shrunk as competition and the share of money in low-cost index funds have grown.
    — Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
  • Net income dropped year over year as margins continued to shrink, pressured by lower average selling prices, higher raw material costs, and global trade headwinds.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 23 July 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • The Euro 2025 quarter-finals had late drama, with Italy squeezing past Norway, a comeback out of nowhere from England, and a farcical penalty shootout win over Sweden.
    — Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 July 2025
  • In particular, the price of rice has doubled, squeezing many household budgets despite government handouts.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 20 July 2025
Definition of squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

comprehensiveness
compress
compressed
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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of compress for Spanish Speakers

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