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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 Once the air moves onto shore, the moisture begins to condense and fall as snow — producing as much as 2-3 inches of snow per hour, often in narrow bands. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 12 Dec. 2024 This conversation has been condensed and lightly edited for clarity. Nicole Cobler, Axios, 6 Dec. 2024 Watch on Deadline The conversation below has been edited and condensed for clarity. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 5 Dec. 2024 The following has been edited and condensed for clarity. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for condense 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • Proof Aggregation Through a process of recursive aggregation, multiple zk-proofs are compressed into a single, compact proof.
    Ayush Gupta, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024
  • The microfiber cover is soft and machine washable, and the memory foam cover holds its shape without compressing too much.
    Adrienne So, WIRED, 3 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Reusable Pizza Storage Container (5-Pack) This triangular container is way easier to squeeze into the fridge than a bulky pizza box.
    Jessica Kasparian, SELF, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Translated, the budget pressures that Fitch expects to continue squeezing higher education are coming from rising costs and stagnant public support and not necessarily from market retraction.
    Derek Newton, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Surgery can benefit from real-time AI explanations and XR visualizations to reduce patient anxiety, while oncology can simplify complex treatment plans for better decision making.
    Alon Zuckerman, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Besides accelerating evaporation, warmer surface temperatures can reduce ice cover, which protects shorelines from erosion and coastal damage by breaking the impact of waves.
    Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • Its nearly $475 billion market cap has shrunk since Thompson’s death on Dec. 4.
    Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 13 Dec. 2024
  • The current recall involves smaller travel mugs whose lid threads can shrink when encountering heat and torque, potentially causing the lid to detach while consumers are using the mugs.
    Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 12 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • These attacks not only freeze critical systems but also extract sensitive data, leveraging threats of public exposure as an additional form of coercion.
    Heather Wishart-Smith, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024
  • The oil extracted from flaxseeds is highly susceptible to spoiling.
    Chelsea Rae Bourgeois, RDN, Health, 16 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • More time spent on social media means less time is being spent learning, concentrating and focusing on academic excellence.
    Omer Awan, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024
  • Like many democracies, France is grappling with immigration, globalization, electoral polarization, and a changing media landscape that concentrates power in the hands of billionaires.
    Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 7 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • By law, the process of—formally removing a rule from the books—follows the same rules as issuing a new rule.
    Lisa Gilbert and Robert Weissman, Newsweek, 10 Dec. 2024
  • For instance, Twitter has historically removed millions of fake accounts in costly purges.
    Brian Greenberg, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near condense

Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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