shrink

1
as in to compress
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and deflate. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

When would compress be a good substitute for shrink?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, 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 shrink?

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could constrict be used to replace shrink?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When can contract be used instead of shrink?

The words contract and shrink can be used in similar contexts, but 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 shrink?

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

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 shrink The market for small, low-cost smartphones is shrinking, and users now demand more from their devices − bigger screens, better cameras, and faster performance. Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2025 The University of Kansas shrunk its Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and assigned its leader new job responsibilities following pressure from Republican state lawmakers last year, according to previous Star reporting. Taylor O’Connor, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025 The company’s Vision AI solutions are designed to minimize shrink, streamline operations and deliver a better customer experience. Alexandra Pastore, WWD, 27 Feb. 2025 With consumers’ homes as collateral, the company’s cards offer a lower interest rate than on normal, unsecured credit cards, while its data and tech shrink the normal HELOC approval time. Jeff Kauflin, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
  • Short bursts around the black hole are likely caused by disturbances in the disk—compressing plasma to produce a temporary flash of radiation.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In court, his lawyers argued that officers compressed his chest with their body weight, leading him to asphyxiate.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Lions were still losing, sure, but Campbell wasn’t flinching.
    Zak Keefer, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
  • In the 18th episode of the show’s current season, the baller whose team is hoping to become the first NFL squad to win three Super Bowls in a row at the big game on Feb. 9 doesn’t flinch while reading a question about friendship bracelets.
    Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • New York Open Data showed that certain types of delays, such as those related to braking issues, rail and roadbed problems and service delivery, decreased on the A line from September to December.
    Nic F. Anderson, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Chris Perugini, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • By the end of the performance, Andress could be seen tilting her head down, wincing.
    Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 5 Mar. 2025
  • The rapper could be seen slapping Rhodes hard on the side of the face, and Rhodes winced as soon as he was hit.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The intense criticism of the COVID response has left a lingering public distrust in health and diminished their influence.
    Tina Reed, Axios, 10 Mar. 2025
  • The seeming smallness of the story does nothing to diminish the film’s bleakness nor blunt its ultimately devastating impact.
    Emma Specter, Vogue, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Our society would benefit from a clear road map for who men can be, but one that constricts masculinity to the narrow example set by tech billionaires—and realistically one only accessible to those afforded similar opportunities—only harms men.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • The governor called for reversing gun reforms adopted in the wake of the 2018 Parkland massacre, further constricting the process for getting constitutional amendments on the ballot and finding a way to lower or even get rid of property taxes.
    Jeffrey Schweers, Orlando Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In the trailer, Baldwin recoils in shock after being told that Hutchins did not survive the shooting.
    Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
  • When Johnson was elected in early 2023, Chicago and the rest of the nation were still recoiling from the trauma of the pandemic, school and business lockdowns, and waves of street violence.
    Will Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 26 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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