compress

verb

kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
Definition of compressnext
1
as in to condense
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shrink
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the substance can compress under pressure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of compress are condense, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," 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 compress?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of compress?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When could contract be used to replace compress?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress, 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 compress?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When would shrink be a good substitute for compress?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. 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 compress Instead of being interconnected, each coil stays in its own lane (pocket, really) and will compress uninhibited by the other coils around it. —Julia Forbes, Wired News, 17 June 2025 Compression refers to wrapping an elastic bandage to compress and reduce swelling in a dedicated area, like the ankle or calf. —Novant Health, Charlotte Observer, 6 June 2025 Additionally, gross margins are projected to compress by 4 to 5 percentage points due to aggressive inventory clearance strategies. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 Although Winters captures Sophie’s despair, her character gets compressed into a plot point and her arc produces a jarring shift in mood. —Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
  1. condense
  2. shrink
  3. squeeze
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 11 July 2025
  • Questions and answers have been lightly edited and condensed.
    — Deborah Treisman, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • The good news is that the potential to compound one’s wealth grows by the day as the world shrinks by the day through commercial advances that reach greater and greater numbers of people.
    — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 12 July 2025
  • The Trump administration has pushed to reshape American diplomacy and worked aggressively to shrink the size of the federal government, including mass dismissals as part of moves to dismantle whole departments like the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Education Department.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • Marlene alleged her son grabbed and started to squeeze her throat.
    — Christine Pelisek, People.com, 11 July 2025
  • Kalvin Phillips squeezes a pass through the gap and into Omari Hutchinson, taking three Forest players out of the game.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

comprehensiveness
compress
compressed
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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of compress for Spanish Speakers

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