shrink

verb

ˈshriŋk How to pronounce shrink (audio)
Definition of shrinknext
1
as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the sweater will shrink a little when washed

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flinch
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust shrinking back from the approaching flames

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to decrease
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually his crush on her is likely to shrink after they start their new lives on different college campuses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of shrink are compress, condense, constrict, contract, and deflate. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

When would compress be a good substitute for shrink?

The meanings of compress and shrink largely overlap; however, 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 shrink?

The synonyms condense and shrink are sometimes interchangeable, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could constrict be used to replace shrink?

Although the words constrict and shrink have much in common, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When can contract be used instead of shrink?

The words contract and shrink 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

In what contexts can deflate take the place of shrink?

While the synonyms deflate and shrink are close in meaning, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

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 shrink Essentially, fewer resources available to a species – particularly, food – results in lower energy uptake, so as well as fewer offspring, body size will also continue to shrink. —New Atlas, 7 Sep. 2025 Ronald Reagan really did try to shrink the government to get it off our backs. —Jim Cramer, CNBC, 7 Sep. 2025 Brother Benno’s relies primarily on private donors, but a shrinking social safety net may nonetheless grow the lines outside their building. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Sep. 2025 While no service can guarantee 100% protection, this step can shrink your digital footprint significantly. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
  1. compress
  2. flinch
  3. decrease
  4. condense
  5. wince
  6. diminish
  7. constrict
  8. recoil
Verb
  • Both Michigan Central and Emergent Campus models compress this learning curve by integrating practical application from day one.
    — Alison Griffin, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • According to Spotify, Bluetooth currently doesn’t provide enough bandwidth to transmit lossless audio, so the signal has to be compressed before being sent.
    — Todd Spangler, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Definition of compress
Verb
  • The last time Congress faced a deadline to extend government funding, Senate Democrats flinched, giving Republicans the votes needed to avert a government shutdown without extracting any concessions.
    — Nik Popli, Time, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Share relevant proof that mirrors their situation, name your price without flinching, and close with one clear question.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Definition of flinch
Verb
  • They’re formulated with hydrating ingredients designed to decrease puffiness and help with dark circles.
    — Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Darrow says the orchard’s acreage has decreased by half, mirroring the state’s overall decline since 2000.
    — Mark Dent, HubSpot, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 8 Sep. 2025
  • This interview has been condensed and edited.
    — Kristen Edgreen Kaufman, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • Aramayo is excellent in the role, easily transversing between John’s pain and confusion and a wincing humor about the whole situation.
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Sideline reporter Stacey Dales said on the YouTube broadcast that Worthy was wincing in pain and went to the X-ray room.
    — Jesse Newell, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Definition of wince
Verb
  • That transition will bring with it some advantages (the conflict of being a part of the Comcast empire is diminished) but also challenges.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Many observers feel that the family’s power in Thailand is diminished, and its long dominant political machine could finally be out of steam.
    — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • High blood pressure can constrict the vessels around the kidney and reduce its ability to function.
    — Nadia Kounang, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The silhouette of Gomez’s dress was formfitting without being constricting, emphasizing slight movement and fabric mobility.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Sep. 2025
Definition of constrict
Verb
  • Videos recorded by witnesses at the Utah Valley University event showed Kirk being shot in the neck and bleeding heavily as his body recoiled.
    — Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Those not chronically online might instinctively recoil at the term brain rot, with its vaguely gory connotations, especially as concern about the potential harms of social media for adolescents mounts.
    — Safiyah Riddle, Fortune, 7 Sep. 2025
Definition of recoil

Browse Nearby Words

shrines
shrink
shrinkage
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Cite this Entry

“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrink. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.

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