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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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Synonym Chooser

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

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 condense The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Eric Ryan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The 2024-25 schedule has been more condensed due to the two-week break in February for the 4 Nations Face-Off. Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision. Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 31 Mar. 2025 This conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity. Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • The song is deliberately compressed to sound like a Phil Spector track, and a video John made for the Gilbert O’Sullivan Show in 1973 features a rare cameo from Bernie mimicking Ray Cooper on bells.
    Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Many of them focus on radically new technologies for heating and compressing plasmas, or fusing unusual combinations of isotopes.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Carving her own musical lane in an industry so determined to squeeze her into a box has been a challenge, but PinkPantheress isn’t one to let outside voices get to her.
    Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, this portable Bluetooth karaoke machine is small enough to squeeze into an Easter basket.
    Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This has, among other losses, reduced Egyptian revenue from the Suez Canal by about eight hundred million dollars a month.
    Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cost Savings: Automation reduces labor costs and minimizes errors.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Now the gap has shrunk to 5.3% behind 2024 and 35% behind 2019.
    Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • If the company stumbles—or worse, goes bust—your deferred cash could shrink or vanish.
    Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Mission – Sam Wilson tries to extract information out of Agent Taylor in the boxing ring.
    John Archer, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But extracting resources out of Greenland poses many challenges.
    Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His reputation has been restored and reaffirmed at Villa, with a setup that enables him to concentrate on footballing matters and possess a level of oversight rarely seen among modern-day managers.
    Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
  • And still others are analyzing campaigns from the SKU level, concentrating on the items that will generate the most efficient returns. BRANDS + MESSAGING Ford Motor Company has always had an all-American vibe to its products and story.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Quantum internet removes that risk by ensuring only the sender and receiver can read a message, so not even the hosting platform can access it.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The walls were blank; administrators had recently removed art work depicting eight female activists, including Angela Davis, the Marxist prison abolitionist, and Grace Lee Boggs, the Asian American Black Power activist.
    Emma Green, New Yorker, 14 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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