compress

Synonym Chooser

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 It’s made of durable high-density foam that will contour to your knees and won’t break down or compress over time. Renee Freemon Mulvihill, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Apr. 2025 Itamar Moses, no stranger to unlikely dramatic subjects, compressed the epic saga into a compact yet labyrinthine book. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2025 Hence, this second season, which will essentially compress a four-year outline into 12 episodes with an unusual release plan, even by streaming standards: Three-episode arcs, each separated by a one-year time jump, will premiere together over the course of four weeks. Jesse Hassenger, Vulture, 23 Apr. 2025 The potatoes are cooked low and slow in the oven, then compressed overnight. Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 May 2025
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The layoffs of tens of thousands of staff across the federal government are a critical piece of a push by the Republican president and billionaire adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the federal government and drastically cut spending.
    Daniel Wiessner, USA Today, 23 May 2025
  • The fish that shrank, the study found, had a much higher chance of surviving.
    Benji Jones, Vox, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Umberto Rispoli squeezed between horses around the top of the stretch and then rode Journalism to a tremendous rally.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
  • Martinez’s son squeezed the trigger five times, shooting Rivera to death and wounding two others, the detective wrote in the affidavit.
    Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on compress

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