SHRINK Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress , condense , constrict , contract , and deflate . While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

Q: When would 'compress' be a good substitute for 'shrink'?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance. // compressed cotton into bales

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

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, 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 'constrict' be used to replace 'shrink'?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: When can 'contract' be used instead of 'shrink'?

The words contract and shrink 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

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

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas. // deflate the balloon

shrink

verb

ˈshriŋk

Definition of shrink

as in to compress

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the sweater will shrink a little when washed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to flinch

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust shrinking back from the approaching flames

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to decrease

to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually his crush on her is likely to shrink after they start their new lives on different college campuses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and deflate. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

When would compress be a good substitute for shrink?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When might condense be a better fit than shrink?

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could constrict be used to replace shrink?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When can contract be used instead of shrink?

The words contract and shrink 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

In what contexts can deflate take the place of shrink?

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

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 shrink What Could Be Next Expect the September wave to grow, not shrink. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 26 Aug. 2026 Elevated levels of insulin can increase DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles, which can lead to hair thinning and, over time, permanent loss. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Aug. 2026 That Toll Brothers vote encapsulated south Folsom’s shrinking oak woodland. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026 Across American Christianity, traditional denominations were shrinking, and churches were closing. — Literary Hub, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrink

Recent Examples of Synonyms for 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

Travel data shows the average group size for trips has decreased since COVID-19 began.

— Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
To continue decreasing the vacancy rate, Center City Partners has focused on older buildings that aren’t as appealing to a return-to-office workforce That focus is on renovations or conversions.

— Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of decrease

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

Toxicologist Fernández has stayed in touch with his patient and still winces about how Mark feared reporting the crime to the police could reflect poorly on him professionally.

— Mattha Busby, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
My husband walked into the room and winced as one of the women changed into a perfect re-creation of an American Girl–doll outfit (very theater kid, not his thing).

— Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of wince

Verb

At least one expert said that some workers could have access to oxygen, but others warned that the chances of finding survivors were diminishing.

— Shristi Kafle, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026
Violence diminishes its victims, forcing everyone to play a single thankless role.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of diminish

Verb

Taking glutathione through a nebulizer may constrict the airways of people who have asthma or chronic lung conditions.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Aug. 2026
With tanker traffic out of the Persian Gulf constricted over the past six months, higher exports from other countries, especially the US, have helped close the gap and keep prices relatively in check.

— Tim McDonnell, semafor.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of constrict

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shrines

shrink

shrinkage

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

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Synonyms of shrink

verb

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That Shrinking Feeling

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