Definition of condensenext
1
as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word condense different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

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 condense Some of that material condensed into tiny droplets called spherules, which spread around the planet before falling back through Earth's atmosphere at several miles per second. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 1 Aug. 2026 These particles act as seeds on which water vapor condenses to form cloud droplets. Yunyao Li, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 When the temperature falls low enough, the water vapor in the air begins to condense, forming a cloud above the smoke column. Tiago Ventura, Time, 29 July 2026 There are many ways to get powerful Pals in Palworld, whether that’s condensing them for extra stars or a whole, whole lot of RNG breeding. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
Verb
  • The core issue is that this gas is normally compressed when injected at depth underground.
    Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Queues in the major markets run for years, new transmission runs longer, and no amount of capital compresses a utility approval process that was designed for a different century.
    Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises.
    Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Job seekers in South Florida are navigating a tricky mix of stubborn inflation, high interest rates and an AI shift that’s squeezing entry-level hiring.
    Jessica Lipscomb, Miami Herald, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Its movements and squeaks change in response to the person interacting with it, giving caregivers another way to reduce distress and encourage engagement.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026
  • For instance, a creditor might bid $35,000 for a $50,000 SUV, reducing the judgment by that amount, then sell it for $50,000, pocketing $15,000.
    Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Nvidia also said that Amazon Web Services would purchase 2 million of its graphic processors, offering an encouraging sign for investors worried that hyperscaler spending could shrink.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • While doing so has helped millions of individuals access the power of electronics, the shrinking size of transistors is presenting problems at mass manufacturing scales.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Huge investments are needed to extract the rich resources in Venezuela, whose oil output remains at a fraction of its capacity due to decades of mismanagement, lack of investment and sanctions.
    Anniek Bao,Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Hyosung’s Bio-BDO is manufactured by fermenting sugars extracted from sugarcane.
    Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The local enrollment declines are mostly concentrated in local districts’ elementary schools.
    Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Affordable housing production is increasingly concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods, while wealthier communities add fewer affordable homes.
    David Schwartz, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • In sick bay, M’Benga tries to remove the table and end his life so Chapel can give up on him, an effort that proves futile.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Though your home may have its share of appliances, mail, mugs, or anything else that lives on your countertops daily, they should be removed before listing.
    Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 27 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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