as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing
most substances undergo contraction when cooled
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contraction
The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta now forecasts a contraction in the first quarter, saying many businesses are likely to ramp up orders before tariffs take hold and then tighten their purse strings.
—
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
The big picture: The contraction of Hollywood spending is coming as other entertainment areas like sports and the creator economy see continued growth.
—Tim Baysinger, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
The Conference Board’s confidence index of current conditions slipped further in March, marking the fourth consecutive monthly contraction.
—Michele Luhn, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
As a result, your poop now has enough moisture in it so the contractions of the muscles lining your gut can effectively propel it forward.
—Julie Stewart, SELF, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Steve Kopack, NBC news, 28 Mar. 2025
The big picture: The contraction of Hollywood spending is coming as other entertainment areas like sports and the creator economy see continued growth.
—Tim Baysinger, Axios, 27 Mar. 2025
The Conference Board’s confidence index of current conditions slipped further in March, marking the fourth consecutive monthly contraction.
—Michele Luhn, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
As a result, your poop now has enough moisture in it so the contractions of the muscles lining your gut can effectively propel it forward.
—Julie Stewart, SELF, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
Surgical options: In severe cases, surgery may be required to relieve nerve compression or restore blood flow.—
Anju Goel,
Health,
4 Apr. 2025
-
An inmate alerted staff to what was happening before correction officers and medical staff began chest compressions, Devlin wrote.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
This prevents condensation buildup, which can lead to bacterial growth and freezer burn.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
5 Jan. 2025
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That is certainly the case with the chemtrails conspiracy theory, which is based on the premise that aircraft condensation trails, or contrails, contain chemicals for weather modification, controlling citizens’ brains or even biological warfare.—
Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller,
CNN,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
An independent analysis from the Yale Budget Lab found a 20 percent broad tariff on all imports could put a squeeze on most households.—
Elizabeth Crisp,
The Hill,
2 Apr. 2025
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State of play: Senate Republicans are facing a similar squeeze right now ahead of a vote on a measure from Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) to terminate Trump's earlier national emergency.—
Andrew Solender,
Axios,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
What happened is that once the drones did a scouting mission, the operator gets a reasonably good idea if there’s any constrictions or any large elevation changes.—
IEEE Spectrum,
IEEE Spectrum,
2 Dec. 2020
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The 88-year-old pontiff suffered a constriction of his respiratory airways on Friday, akin to an asthma attack, renewing concerns over his well-being.—
Crispian Balmer,
USA TODAY,
1 Mar. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 20 Apr. 2025.
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