constricts

verb

present tense third-person singular of constrict
1
as in shrinks
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in compresses
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together constricted the opening with a clamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 constricts This stress response constricts blood vessels and accelerates heart rate, which can contribute to blood pressure spikes. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026 The coldness of the water constricts arteries, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to function. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026 This means giving up the exalted and exaggerated idea of the West that boosts a masculinist self-image but severely constricts thought and feeling. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors. — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain. — Manahil Ahmad, The Providence Journal, 25 Jan. 2026 Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles. — Outside, 10 Dec. 2025 Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation. — Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricts
  1. shrinks
  2. compresses
  3. condenses
  4. squeezes
Verb
  • This is most evident in Sport mode, where the car almost shrinks in size.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 29 July 2026
  • The department shrinks, and eventually it is forced to close.
    — Matthew Scogin, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of shrinks
Verb
  • This is the step where the barista compresses the ground coffee within the portafilter to create a dense puck.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2026
  • An in-house leader who has owned the function throughout the hold period maintains the documentation, positions and compliance history that compresses the diligence timeline and protects valuation.
    — Shawn Cole, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of compresses
Verb
  • As the plume rises, the water vapor cools and condenses into tiny cloud droplets, forming a cloud directly above the fire.
    — Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026
  • Following the revision of ICOM’s definition of a museum, which faced controversy for not including terms such as decolonization, restitution, and repatriation, the new code condenses the eight principles of the 2004 code into five.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 13 July 2026
Definition of condenses
Verb
  • That not only squeezes consumers' budgets, but also hits businesses hard, especially those which are heavily dependent on fuel.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 July 2026
  • That not only squeezes consumers’ budgets, but also hits businesses hard, especially those that are heavily dependent on fuel.
    — Matt Ott, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
Definition of squeezes

Browse Nearby Words

constrictors
constricts
constringe
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Cite this Entry

“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of constricts for Spanish Speakers

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