shrink

1
as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the sweater will shrink a little when washed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and deflate. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

When would compress be a good substitute for shrink?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When might condense be a better fit than shrink?

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could constrict be used to replace shrink?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When can contract be used instead of shrink?

The words contract and shrink 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

In what contexts can deflate take the place of shrink?

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

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 shrink Paul Rudd Paul Rudd previously starred in three Ant-Man movies as the superhero who can shrink to subatomic size. Eliana Dockterman, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 In 30 states, union membership shrank in these five years, with California having the biggest drop, off 124,800. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 25 Mar. 2025 But three wins and a draw from the past six Premier League games, combined with the dismal form of the current bottom three, mean the chances of Vitor Pereira’s side being relegated have shrunk to miniscule levels. Steve Madeley, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025 As Kyiv's grasp on Kursk shrank, Moscow said Ukraine had carried out cross-border attacks into the Belgorod border region, next to Kursk. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
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
  • But the Clippers didn’t flinch, shaking off an early 12-point deficit to beat the Cavs, 132-119, in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
    Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 19 Mar. 2025
  • But at that moment, looking up from the examination table at Tina, her dark hair framing her unsmiling face, Lilian neither hesitated nor flinched.
    Yiyun Li, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In terms of a mechanism, the rejection seems to decrease levels of a neuropeptide in the brain, which increases after mating, leading Heberlein et al.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Keeping those cuts on the books would decrease revenue by $4.5 trillion from 2025 through 2034, according to estimates from the Tax Foundation.
    Ryan Ermey, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
    Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Then, their star sophomore went up for a rebound early in the second quarter and emerged from under the hoop wincing with pain, an image that inevitably conjured thoughts of the worst-case scenario.
    Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Everyone on the Duke sidelines held their collective breath as the star winced in pain.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Overcoming The Fear Of Letting Go One of the biggest reasons leaders avoid delegating is fear that the work will not be done right, mistakes will happen or their value will be diminished.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • During the tussle, Ventura put the teen in a chokehold, constricting his breathing, police said.
    Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Our heart rate increases, our respiratory rate increases, our blood vessels constrict.
    Erin Brodwin, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Arab states recoil at the notion of forcibly displacing Gazans and fear the destabilizing potential of absorbing Palestinian refugees.
    Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 13 Feb. 2025
  • But Tesla shares started really recoiling on January 21, the day after President Trump’s inauguration, when Musk took over as head of Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
    Matt Durot, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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