constrict

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 Cooling caps, worn before, during, and after chemotherapy, may reduce hair loss by cooling the scalp and constricting the blood vessels, preventing chemotherapy from reaching the hair follicles. Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025 With the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR) continuing to constrict Newcastle, every revenue stream requires maximising — and the Champions League is game-changing financially, even more so following its revamp. Chris Waugh, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025 To reduce science subsidies is to constrain and ultimately constrict university budgets and programs. Harvey Young, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Use a Cold Pack Cold therapy has been found to instantly reduce migraine pain by constricting blood flow and numbing the pain in affected areas. Cathy Nelson, Verywell Health, 3 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict
Verb
  • Hong Kong Reuters — China’s glacier area has shrunk by 26% since 1960 due to rapid global warming, with 7,000 small glaciers disappearing completely and glacial retreat intensifying in recent years, official data released in March showed.
    Reuters, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
  • By shrinking the gold Mega Ball pool from 25 to 24, the odds of winning the jackpot will improve from about 1 in 302.6 million to 1 in 290.5 million.
    Mike Winters, CNBC, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • For complex tasks, the smartphone can further compress the latent representations and forward them to cloud servers for specialized processing (e.g., full document OCR or advanced medical diagnostics).
    Wei Duan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
  • More importantly, compressed monthly changes highlight the general lack of homebuying demand that continues to characterize the current housing market.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025
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
  • 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

“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrict. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

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