as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing
most substances undergo contraction when cooled
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Recent Examples of contraction
But, as magnesium deficiency progresses, more serious symptoms may develop, including numbness, tingling, muscle contractions, cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms, and even coronary spasms, according to research.
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Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Factory output for China grows China’s factory activity for smaller manufacturers expanded in October after a reading in September that indicated contraction.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024
Popular on Variety As with others across entertainment, animators are seeing high levels of unemployment amid an industrywide contraction.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024
While a notable contraction in spending was observed in some sectors, other industries—including the ones below—displayed resilience and even growth, leveraging new media formats and channels to reach their target audiences.
—Brett House, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contraction 
Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 2 Nov. 2024
Factory output for China grows China’s factory activity for smaller manufacturers expanded in October after a reading in September that indicated contraction.
—Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 1 Nov. 2024
Popular on Variety As with others across entertainment, animators are seeing high levels of unemployment amid an industrywide contraction.
—Gene Maddaus, Variety, 30 Oct. 2024
While a notable contraction in spending was observed in some sectors, other industries—including the ones below—displayed resilience and even growth, leveraging new media formats and channels to reach their target audiences.
—Brett House, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
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The jury’s still out on whether compression socks actually protect your muscles from damage during a hard effort.Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 5 Nov. 2024
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His death was ruled a homicide by compression of the neck.David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
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This step is essential to prevent condensation from forming inside your storage container, which can lead to ice crystals that negatively impact the flavor and texture of the dish.Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2024
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The gadget is made of insulated stainless steel that helps prevent condensation and keeps drinks chilled without ice.Savannah Smith, Rolling Stone, 26 Sep. 2024
Noun
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Tips for the Best Rotisserie Chicken Soup Add lemon: Our Test Kitchen Professionals recommend adding a squeeze of lemon at the end, which can help to enliven the flavor, especially if eating it after being frozen.Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 4 Nov. 2024
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Soy sauce packages can add a depth of flavor and even a squeeze of hot sauce is nice to keep on hand.Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024
Noun
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Known as the tourniquet muscle, this muscle is responsible for the constriction that allows an arm in danger to fall off.Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 14 Sep. 2024
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Tunica media: The middle layer and thickest part, it is made of muscle responsible for dilation (widening) and constriction (narrowing) to regulate blood flow and pressure.Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.
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