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

Relevance

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 Its lineup includes leg compression products, foot recovery options, cordless designs, and full-leg recovery systems for different home routines, comfort needs, and user preferences. — Nia Bowers, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026 Beneath that sits a high-density support-foam foundation designed to limit sagging and compression over time, along with a textured anti-slip base to reduce movement on the bed frame. — New Atlas, 24 Aug. 2026 Market on Close The way earnings growth has outraced rising stock prices in recent quarters has allowed bullish voices to celebrate valuation compression done the easy way. — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026 Linebacker Jordyn Brooks also is in a noncontact jersey, wearing a compression sleeve on his right leg. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 24 Aug. 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 dip over the past few years was driven primarily by a major contraction of the offshore wind industry.
    — Eugenia Perozo, semafor.com, 27 Aug. 2026
  • With basic cable on the decline and HBO Max pulling away from kids and family original programming, Register’s domain has undergone contraction since Warner Bros Animation’s heyday.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Tens of thousands of complaints have poured in, many accompanied by photos of innocuous clouds or airplane condensation trails.
    — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The British government is backing the landmark airspace-scale trial, launched Tuesday, to avoid creating condensation trails, or contrails.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • Nvidia's revenue upside, however, stands to more than make up for the memory squeeze.
    — Zev Fima, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Meanwhile, the district recently closed nine different school campuses across Miami-Dade in response to the financial squeeze resulting from low enrollment.
    — Austin Horn, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • On the development and production side, Lumicraft’s AI casting tool Castlink pairs actor discovery with contracting and settlement, while Reproduction’s Pre-Flow handles screenplay analysis and production data sharing.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The contract value was for $183,400, according to public contracting records.
    — Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • While the bulk of the research centers on macroeconomic issues and the constriction in the major studio space, the study also provides a sobering look at what ails the indie film sector.
    — Brent Lang, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Consequently, the rapid temperature change and accompanying constriction and dilation of blood vessels in the palate can produce a stronger pain signal than in individuals without migraine, resulting in a more pronounced headache.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

compressing
compression
comprise
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compression. Accessed 31 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on compression

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compression

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of gumption

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All