SHRINK Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shrink

verb

ˈshriŋk

Definition of shrink next

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to flinch

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust shrinking back from the approaching flames

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to decrease

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually his crush on her is likely to shrink after they start their new lives on different college campuses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 His inability to buy anything — the Feds are even blocking a tiny exercise option for Meta users — is trapping him into growing by shrinking. —

Jim Cramer, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025 Navigating a market with shrinking inventory and rising rental costs is particularly challenging for young people in Chicago — with rental costs up 24% in the past three years. —

Micky Horstman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Feb. 2025 Russian government figures show that there has been no increase in birth rates since 2017 and Russia faces the prospect of a shrinking population. —

Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Newsweek, 4 Feb. 2025 They, too, will be harmed, when foreign retaliation shrinks their export markets. —

The Editors, National Review, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for shrink

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink

Verb

In microgravity, the brain moves to the top of the skull and compresses an area responsible for absorbing cerebrospinal fluid, leading to a swelling of brain cavities and potentially to an increase in intracranial pressure.

— Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
Because South Florida is built on layers of sand and porous limestone, the authors reasoned that these vibrations could have compressed or rearranged sand – much like shaking ground coffee in a tin creates more space.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025