1
as in to shrink
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter
the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to compress
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together
constricted the opening with a clamp
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constrict
Nerve fibers send a message about lower salt levels to your brain, and the autonomic nervous system responds by constricting the blood vessels.
—
Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
Don’t be afraid to adjust the timeline: For one reason or another, 90 days may feel too constricting to you.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Four decades of neoliberalism have so thoroughly taught policymakers that the role of government should be limited that public debates about the economy are now constricted to discussions about growth and distribution—the overall size and proportionate slicing of the pie.
—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
There’s something so painfully romantic and also constricting about that.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrict
Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 12 May 2025
Don’t be afraid to adjust the timeline: For one reason or another, 90 days may feel too constricting to you.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Four decades of neoliberalism have so thoroughly taught policymakers that the role of government should be limited that public debates about the economy are now constricted to discussions about growth and distribution—the overall size and proportionate slicing of the pie.
—Jennifer M. Harris, Foreign Affairs, 22 Apr. 2025
There’s something so painfully romantic and also constricting about that.
—Joe Lynch, Billboard, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for constrict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict
Verb
-
The fish that shrank, the study found, had a much higher chance of surviving.—
Benji Jones,
Vox,
23 May 2025
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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
Verb
-
The interstellar medium in our Milky Way galaxy is magnetic, can be compressed, and is turbulent.—
Victoria Corless,
Space.com,
19 May 2025
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So much fresh spinach done for you, cooked down and compressed for you.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
15 May 2025
Verb
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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrict. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.
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