compress

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 The gravitational tug of neighboring galaxies compresses gas within a galaxy, triggering star formation. Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 16 Mar. 2025 The next step is to compress plasmas with a lithium liner to create fusion and heating from compression. New Atlas, 12 Mar. 2025 It's considered lossless to the eye, but the signal is actually compressed at a 3:1 ratio. PCMAG, 18 Mar. 2025 The Liberal leadership race was compressed, and Carney was far ahead all along, so his opponents were not motivated to challenge him too much. Stephen Maher, TIME, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • However, expressed as a percentage of overall employment, federal employment has been shrinking since 1975.
    Erik Sherman, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Paul Rudd Paul Rudd previously starred in three Ant-Man movies as the superhero who can shrink to subatomic size.
    Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • This 2019 retread attempts to squeeze that same emotional response out of viewers, simply by recreating every frame through photorealistic CGI.
    Staff Author, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
  • But skyrocketing home prices and stubbornly high mortgage rates in the past few years have squeezed many buyers to the sidelines of the market, raising concerns that this year will see a nationwide drop in sales even during the spring homebuying season.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compress

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