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as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense 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

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Examples 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 condense The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025 The conversation, which took surprisingly serious turns, has been edited and condensed. Lanna Apisukh, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024 That Bramall Lane Boxing Day result helped condense the picture at the top of the Championship. Michael Walker, The Athletic, 28 Dec. 2024 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision. Kristin Auble, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for condense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • The new tags now collect the data daily and compress it into a 12-byte file before transmitting it back to the research team via a novel long-range network.
    Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Disassemble carefully, compressing the branches as much as possible.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • These forces squeeze a star horizontally while stretching it vertically.
    Robert Lea, Space.com, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Egypt lost $7 billion in crucial revenue from the Suez Canal in 2024 as the conflict in Gaza has squeezed shipping in the Red Sea, according to government officials.
    Vivian Yee, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Tailor For Expense Reduction Messaging When crafting your capabilities statement, customize it to showcase how your business can help agencies reduce costs: • Use metrics to quantify savings from previous contracts.
    Col. Rafael Marrero, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
  • Studies show that cigarettes with lower nicotine content reduce people’s dependence on nicotine and can help alleviate some of the cravings associated with withdrawal.
    Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Across Africa, notably in Sudan, Russia’s shadow shrinks apace with the loss of Syria’s ports to relay supplies southward.
    Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Cavuto’s exit also means the number of original Fox News stars continues to shrink.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This suggests that the Galaxy S25 series will use Gemini to extract information from YouTube videos and create new notes in the Samsung Notes app.
    Paul Monckton, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025
  • The deciding factor was forced errors, with Siegemund stretching Zheng often enough to extract 31 errors from her opponent while conceding just 13.
    Charlie Eccleshare, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • At Alice + Olivia spring/summer 2025, hints of shimmer were placed at the inner corners and concentrated to the middle of the lids to brighten up eyes.
    Rebecca Fearn, refinery29.com, 6 Jan. 2025
  • This helps to concentrate the flavors and produce a high-proof spirit.
    Emily Price, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • With a strike removed from the equation, at least in the short term, those extra costs won’t be implemented.
    William Gavin, Quartz, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Campbell Puckett, known online as Pookie, began the new year by getting surgery to remove pre-cancer.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near condense

Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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