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

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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 The index measures the percentage difference between companies reporting expansion against contraction. — Sean Conlon,joseph Wilkins,justina Lee,fred Imbert, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026 Production has slowed there amid an industrywide contraction. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026 In their letter, the Hollywood unions warned that the current schedule for the antitrust trial — set for March 2027 — could prove disastrous for industry workers already dealing with the effects of an industry contraction and runaway production. — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026 First, because young workers typically bear the brunt of economic contractions — when companies choose to shed employees or pull back on hiring — junior roles often get cut first. — Lee V. Gaines, NPR, 18 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
  • Most college first aid kits forget the compression wrap (aka ACE wrap).
    — Dr. Jill Grimes, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Mechanical stress becomes battery tool That durability suggests compression could become more than a laboratory testing method.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 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
  • 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
  • The package skips any form of standard or optional kitchen unit but does include a full set of blackout blinds and ventilation grilles for the front windows meant to increase airflow and cut out condensation when sleeping inside.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Condensation Ragsdale says that condensation can also clue you into a problem.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 20 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
  • 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

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 1 Sep. 2026.

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