CONDENSE Synonyms: 92 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

condense

verb

kən-ˈden(t)s

Definition of condense next

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

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

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 print. —

John Shattuck, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026 This interview has been edited and condensed. —

K.j. Yossman, Variety, 26 Mar. 2026 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —

Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 26 Mar. 2026 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —

Clio Chang, Curbed, 25 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for condense

Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense

Verb

Naturally, over time, the materials inside our mattress will compress under the weight, shift or wear down, all of which can ultimately lead to poor spinal alignment and compromised sleep positioning.

— Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
Several people compressing the traditional learning curve.

— Dana Harris-Bridson, IndieWire, 2 Apr. 2026

Definition of compress

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condensations

condense

condensed

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“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of condense

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