1
as in compressing
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
2
as in recoiling
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in decreasing
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
as in afraid
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
1
as in revulsion
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in diminishing
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 shrinking
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.
—Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Poor performance, shrinking market share, or stagnant growth are harder to conceal, especially in an economic climate supported by a strong stock market in 2023 and continued growth in 2024.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Slower growth in China and weaker stock markets in Europe played a role in shrinking the fortunes of hundreds of billionaires.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Technology miniaturisation is moving fast in the audio world as surface mount speakers and tiny microphones mean electronic devices are still shrinking as performance expands.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Starbucks With sales shrinking in its biggest markets, Starbucks poached Chipotle Mexican Grill star CEO Brian Niccol to turn around the coffee chain’s fortunes, replacing Laxman Narasimhan.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
The pool of available CPAs has been shrinking as Baby Boomers and some Gen Xers retire.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.
—Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Poor performance, shrinking market share, or stagnant growth are harder to conceal, especially in an economic climate supported by a strong stock market in 2023 and continued growth in 2024.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Slower growth in China and weaker stock markets in Europe played a role in shrinking the fortunes of hundreds of billionaires.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Technology miniaturisation is moving fast in the audio world as surface mount speakers and tiny microphones mean electronic devices are still shrinking as performance expands.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Starbucks With sales shrinking in its biggest markets, Starbucks poached Chipotle Mexican Grill star CEO Brian Niccol to turn around the coffee chain’s fortunes, replacing Laxman Narasimhan.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking
Adjective
-
Lastly, if the campaign performance isn’t meeting expectations, don’t be afraid to ask for a brainstorming session in person or on video if email communication just isn’t cutting it.—
Nandini Sankara,
Forbes.com,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Those were people who grew up afraid of anything or anyone different from them.—
Pat Blashill,
Rolling Stone,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The origin story of his revulsion involves a late-night infomercial for a stick blender.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
26 July 2025
-
Images of skeletal, starving Gazans, including children, have harked back to the darkest corners of the twentieth century, stirring Western revulsion – if not yet concrete action – toward the humanitarian crisis.—
Joseph Ataman,
CNN Money,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
The crossbody bag option, meanwhile, is less constricting and makes a stylish statement piece on top of any casual outfit.—
Clint Davis,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Dec. 2024
-
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.—
Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2025
-
After his round, the Irishman did not tolerate the media diminishing his spot in the tournament.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This isn’t a timid little girl walking into a wedding night with Joffrey.—
Zack Sharf,
Variety,
25 Aug. 2025
-
In many ways, this was pretty much the ideal day after the timid 1-0 defeat to promoted Leeds United on Monday.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
After what appears to be a slight recoil, Lauren walks away, looking relatively calm.—
Nancy Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
18 June 2025
-
Arming Drones Shotguns are handy for shooting down other drones, but the recoil is a problem.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Adjective
-
School staff gathered the students in the cafeteria during the lockdown and tried to keep the frightened kids calm, said a school employee who refused to give an Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter their name.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Investigators believe other potential victims may be too frightened to report similar attacks.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
When scared, dogs will likely make their body smaller, hunch over and try to move away.—
Dawn Kovell,
Mercury News,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Things were changing, and people—some people at least—were scared.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
19 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share