compression

noun

kəm-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce compression (audio)
Definition of compressionnext
as in squeezing
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 compression Pneumatic compression boots inflate and deflate sequentially around the legs, creating a wave-like squeezing action. — Chloe Burcham, Vogue, 30 July 2026 After 300 compression generations, removing a few pixels from the border of our test images finally broke SynthID (both edited and fully AI). — ArsTechnica, 29 July 2026 This aligns with national trauma protocols from the American College of Surgeons' Stop the Bleed initiative, which emphasizes that effective tourniquet placement requires firm, tight compression to fully stop arterial blood flow. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026 Geological compressions or even high temperature swings can squeeze moisture out of the sediment, leaving behind the distinctive arrangement. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 29 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for compression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compression
  1. squeezing
  2. contraction
  3. condensation
  4. squeeze
  5. contracting
  6. constriction
Noun
  • So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
  • Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Definition of squeezing
Noun
  • The value of this indicator was last illustrated in 2022, when two consecutive quarters of GDP contraction were originally reported, leading some to opine that the US was in a recession.
    — Bill Stone, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The survey was, however, conducted before the release of June’s advance economic indicators report, which showed ⁠a moderate contraction in the goods trade deficit and retail inventories unchanged.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 30 July 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Sometimes holding a dispenser over a steaming hot beverage can cause condensation to form around the pouring spout.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026
  • While some leaks like A/C condensation are normal, others such as fuel or brake fluid leaks are dangerous and require immediate attention.
    — Keith Laing, USA Today, 31 July 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • Whether Ackman’s diagnosis holds up against the city’s own housing data remains contested, but as Mamdani’s rent freeze takes effect, the fight over who’s to blame for New York’s affordability squeeze is only getting louder.
    — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Total earnings are still down about 25% from that 2022 peak — a noticeable squeeze even if the money is being distributed among significantly fewer individuals.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • That phrase appears in a contracting document for Acentra Health that was first reported on by independent journalists through the newsletter Popular Information.
    — Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Carla Chiorazzo was appointed CFO of Adolfson & Peterson Construction, a national construction management and contracting firm.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • Vanja recognized that the fitness industry’s focus on repetitive, linear movements actively contributes to physical constriction and chronic injury.
    — Ginger Gentile, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026
  • The season emphasizes emotional constriction and physical limits, not literal clock time.
    — Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 June 2026
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

compressing
compression
comprise
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Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compression. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on compression

Nglish: Translation of compression for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compression

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