condense

verb

kən-ˈden(t)s How to pronounce condense (audio)
Definition of condensenext
1
as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to squeeze
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together condense the information into as brief a report as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reduce
to increase the strength of (a substance in a mixture) by removing other substances added condensed milk to the mix

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense 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

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense 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 could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, 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 condense This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 Oct. 2025 The following interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity. —Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 24 Oct. 2025 This conversation has been edited and condensed. —Keaton Bell, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2025 Some quotes have been edited and condensed for length and clarity. —Charles Infosino, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
  1. compress
  2. squeeze
  3. reduce
  4. shrink
  5. extract
  6. concentrate
  7. remove
Verb
  • The compact vacuum even blows up air mattresses and compresses vacuum storage bags.
    — Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • Even when compressed up to 20 times, the accuracy is still about 60%.
    — Beatrice Nolan, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of compress
Verb
  • George Matysik, executive director of Share Food Program, a Philadelphia food bank, told USA TODAY that food banks are already squeezed by federal funding cuts.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025
  • Then, squeeze your Magic Eraser a few times to activate the foaming bubbles.
    — Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 28 Oct. 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • As part of a plea agreement, the murder charge was reduced to involuntary manslaughter, and the remaining charges were dismissed.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2025
  • Additional heavy rainfall is possible beyond Saturday; however, uncertainty in Melissa's track and forward speed reduces confidence in exact totals.
    — MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 22 Oct. 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • This, of course, is trivial compared to the risk the Colorado River Basin’s shrinking snowpack poses to nearly every Southwest settlement, livelihood and life form that relies on its steady trickle downstream.
    — Joan Meiners, AZCentral.com, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The analysts pointed to softer insurance investment income, weaker railroad growth and shrinking energy tax credits as mounting headwinds for Berkshire’s sprawling operations.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • The formula blends niacinamide, essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica extract into a base of luxe shea butter to restore and strengthen the lips’ delicate skin.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Here’s How to Tell To extract that DNA, the researchers had to get samples from the paleofeces from the cave.
    — Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Oct. 2025
Definition of extract
Verb
  • Favorable conditions include low wind shear, abundant moisture, and deep ocean warmth—especially in compact storms that can efficiently concentrate heat.
    — Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
  • But for the forthcoming 18th volume, Through the Open Window, 1956-1963, which concentrates on Dylan’s earliest recordings during his folk period, the baton was passed to Wilentz.
    — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 27 Oct. 2025
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • But the lack of transparency and due process are similar, and there are few to no guarantees of the safety of people whom ICE agents remove, often without identifying themselves, and move around without notifying the family or lawyers of the detained.
    — JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Slowly but surely, the legal obstacles to taking games overseas have been removed over the past few years.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Definition of remove

Browse Nearby Words

condensations
condense
condensed
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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

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