CONSTRICT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'constrict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress , condense , contract , deflate , and shrink . While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'constrict'?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance. // compressed cotton into bales

Q: When is 'condense' a more appropriate choice than 'constrict'?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content. // condense the essay into a paragraph

Q: When could 'contract' be used to replace 'constrict'?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length. // caused her muscles to contract

Q: In what contexts can 'deflate' take the place of 'constrict'?

The words deflate and constrict 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

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'constrict'?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; however, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

constrict

verb

kən-ˈstrikt

Definition of constrict next

as in to shrink

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compress

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together constricted the opening with a clamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress, condense, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to constrict?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is condense a more appropriate choice than constrict?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could contract be used to replace constrict?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, 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 constrict?

The words deflate and constrict 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 might shrink be a better fit than constrict?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; 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 constrict Nima al Askari said doctors told her that 4-year-old Qusay could become paralyzed if her son doesn’t get surgery in the next two or three months for a heart defect that constricts his aorta. —

Wafaa Shurafa and Fatma Khaled, Los Angeles Times, 14 Dec. 2024 Skin blood vessels dilate if the temperature is too high to release heat (e.g., while exercising) and constrict if the temperature is too low. —

Ruth Jessen Hickman, Md, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2025 The line was around the animal's body and constricting its right pectoral flipper, per The Maui News. —

Luke Chinman, People.com, 15 Jan. 2025 If used, stakes should not abrade or constrict the trunk and should be fully removed after six to twelve months. —

Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 9 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for constrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict

Verb

In the early 20th century, Black farmers owned 16 millions acres of land; today that number has shrunk to roughly a million.

— Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
As their military budgets shrank over the decades, European countries relied heavily on the United States for security, trusting in the NATO pledge that an attack on one member will be treated as an attack on all.

— Josh Holder, New York Times, 25 Jan. 2025