contraction

noun

kən-ˈtrak-shən How to pronounce contraction (audio)
Definition of contractionnext
as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing most substances undergo contraction when cooled

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 contraction Gold steadied after its biggest weekly gain since January, with traders assessing a surprise contraction in the US jobs market that allayed concerns around an interest-rate hike. — Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, 9 Aug. 2026 The public market has not yet been asked, and the one adjacent listing it was asked about, Circle, drew a Morgan Stanley downgrade on USDC contraction within a year of its euphoric debut. — Zennon Kapron, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Rethink Trade director Lori Wallach cautioned against viewing the first-half 2025-to-2026 contraction in the deficit as an all-out win, given that there were special circumstances that precipitated it. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 6 Aug. 2026 The economic contraction is in sharp contrast to the 3% growth that the Arab world’s largest economy recorded in the first quarter of the year. — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
  1. compression
  2. squeezing
  3. contracting
  4. condensation
  5. squeeze
  6. constriction
Noun
  • There’s no better space-saving hack than compression packing cubes.
    — Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Nissan The upcoming US version of the Rogue utilizes a specialized variable-compression turbo engine designed to maintain peak electrical generation efficiency at high American highway speeds, aiming for a real-world rating somewhere over 40 mpg.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of compression
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
  • As much as ten percent (and perhaps even more) of their staff work on law-related, contracting, and cybersecurity teams.
    — Doug Beck, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026
  • The July 2026 jobs report showed the economy contracting by 23,000 jobs against a consensus forecast of positive 83,000.
    — Susan LaMotte, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • Durston Gear The double-wall design with fully independent fly and inner tents improves ventilation while helping to abate interior condensation.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Despite the flow of cold air from the gap in the doorjamb, every first-floor window dripped with condensation.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • Denver is facing a $200 million budget deficit in 2026 and has laid off 169 city workers, cut city services and left hundreds of city jobs unfilled because of the budget squeeze.
    — Brian Maass, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The economic and political squeeze, however, is strengthening the regime Washington wants to weaken and reducing the prospects for a deal, said Sepahvand.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

contracting (for)
contraction
contracts
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of contraction for Spanish Speakers

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