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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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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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 Historically, Palantir’s valuation multiples have compressed rapidly. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 The entire apparatus compresses down for travel days. —Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 18 Feb. 2025 At a certain point, the city could then compress its shelter system by converting thousands of units into permanent affordable housing. —Devan Patel, The Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2025 Researchers grew a synthetic diamond that’s harder than natural ones by heating and compressing graphite in such a way that the diamond is formed with a hexagonal lattice, rather than the cubic shape found in nature. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
  1. condense
  2. shrink
  3. squeeze
Verb
  • This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • The team found that mature giant kelp beds shrank after the 2016 Soberanes fire in Monterey County, the 2017 Thomas fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and the 2018 Woolsey fire in the Santa Monica Mountains.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
  • With interest rates remaining high, corporate margins are shrinking, forcing businesses to cut back.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • Risks remain—policy shifts could stall, or DOGE’s efficiency drive might squeeze budgets—but the upside potential is tantalizing.
    — Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Goldman Sachs previously estimated that these tariffs could increase inflation by 1 percent while squeezing U.S. company profits and risking retaliatory measures from other nations.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of squeeze

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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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