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

Relevance

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 conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity. —Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 19 June 2025 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity. —EW.com, 19 June 2025 The interviews have been condensed and edited for clarity. —Eric James Beyer, Quanta Magazine, 18 June 2025 This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 27 June 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
  • In theory, this could help spotlight Alto Adige’s remarkable vineyard diversity - granite slopes, volcanic porphyry, glacial moraines - all compressed into just under 6,000 hectares of fragmented vineyards, layered across extreme altitudes.
    — Paul Caputo, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Burnout is a potential trade-off If your workload is heavy, compressing it into fewer days can backfire.
    — Julia Sullivan, USA Today, 27 June 2025
Definition of compress
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
Verb
  • This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.
    — Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    — STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT Updated July 14, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2025
Definition of reduce
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
  • When glaciers shrink, volcanoes stir, and that may be just the beginning of a dangerous cycle.
    — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 11 July 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • Before 1962, the maximum legal barrel entry proof was 110, but Stitzel-Weller went much further during production to extract and preserve as much flavor as possible.
    — Chris Perugini, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Steam clean by spraying and extracting in short passes, then let the carpet dry fully before checking for leftover spots.
    — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
Definition of extract
Verb
  • Lime kilns concentrated in Santa Cruz County, and another site was found in El Dorado County.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
  • As the conditioner that brought his homeland their first two Breeders’ Cup championships (2021 Filly and Mare Turf, Loves Only You 2021 Distaff Marche Lorraine), the Tokyo native will concentrate on bringing the best Forever Young to Del Mar on November 1.
    — Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • Machado, now 21 months removed from elbow surgery, is batting .293, 13 percentage points above his career average.
    — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 8 July 2025
  • Also, passengers 75 years and older did not need to remove their shoes during the security process.
    — Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 8 July 2025
Definition of remove

Browse Nearby Words

condensations
condense
condensed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on condense

Nglish: Translation of condense for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

Using Bullet Points ( • )

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

12 Words Whose History Will Surprise You
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Ten Painless Ways to Improve Your Vocabulary

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
funny guinea pig in glasses reading a book
Challenging Words You Should Know Vol 2 Words to the wise
See All