CONSTRICT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'constrict' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress , condense , contract , deflate , and shrink . While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'constrict'?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance. // compressed cotton into bales

Q: When is 'condense' a more appropriate choice than 'constrict'?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content. // condense the essay into a paragraph

Q: When could 'contract' be used to replace 'constrict'?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length. // caused her muscles to contract

Q: In what contexts can 'deflate' take the place of 'constrict'?

The words deflate and constrict 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

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'constrict'?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; however, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

constrict

verb

kən-ˈstrikt

Definition of constrict

as in to shrink

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

as in to compress

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress, condense, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to constrict?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is condense a more appropriate choice than constrict?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could contract be used to replace constrict?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

In what contexts can deflate take the place of constrict?

The words deflate and constrict 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 might shrink be a better fit than constrict?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; however, 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 constrict The sudden temperature change causes blood vessels in the palate to constrict and then rapidly dilate as warm blood flows into the area to restore normal tissue temperature. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Aug. 2026 Nothing detracts from a breezy summer set like constricting lace-ups. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026 Oil prices have been volatile since the start of the war in Iran, with the country’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz constricting traffic of 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 Lining it with foil can constrict the air flow, and your food won’t cook properly. — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 21 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for constrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict

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

Definition of shrink

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

Definition of compress

Verb

Beresford says the real-life group had to be condensed for the stage, with composite characters like Reggie and Steph standing in for several real activists.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
What follows is an edited and condensed version of our Front Page Authority conversation.

— Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of condense

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

Definition of squeeze

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constraints

constrict

constricted

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“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrict. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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