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 edited and condensed for length and clarity. —Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Feb. 2026 While condensing your mortgage term may result in larger monthly payments, the interest savings and the ability to become debt-free much sooner could be worthy trade-offs. —Matt Richardson, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026 This conversation has been edited and condensed. —Nick Remsen, Vogue, 7 Feb. 2026 The interview has been condensed and edited. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Feb. 2026 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
  • None of these would form the loose, granular snow conditions that compress under skis on Earth and Pluto's gravity only makes things worse.
    — Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Theoretically, the plasmas collide in the fusion chamber and are compressed by magnets around the machine.
    — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of compress
Verb
  • Impacciatore, squeezed into a skin-tight Power Rangers suit, performed an entire clowning routine where she’s accosted by abstract embodiments of various winter sports throughout history.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Sometimes, producers work with players to squeeze their take into the allotted time.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • Both coffee and tea contain bioactive ingredients such as polyphenols and caffeine, which may reduce inflammation and cellular damage while defending against cognitive decline.
    — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Snowmaking specialist TechnoAlpin, which is supplying this year’s Winter Olympics, said technology has advanced significantly over recent decades, reducing energy demand and water consumption.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The logic behind this is that supermassive black hole binaries, which spiral together to lead to collisions and mergers, emit gravitational waves of increasing frequency as their orbits shrink, creating a background hum of gravitational waves.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Longer term labor force challenges will be found, particularly the shrinking 16-to 24-year-old population, according to the report.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • At the slime making station, guests will have the option to add scents extracted from real flowers.
    — Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Microbes could be the future space miners, helping humans survive on long-term missions by extracting mineral resources from extraterrestrial rocks.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 Feb. 2026
Definition of extract
Verb
  • The gains are largely concentrated at the top of the financial table, fueled by investor interest and new facilities in the pipeline.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The China shock took a disproportionate toll on small-scale manufacturing—textiles, toys, furniture—concentrated primarily in the South.
    — Josh Tyrangiel, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • Petrecca was thrust into the commentary role, replacing Auro Bulbarelli, who removed himself after spoiling the surprise arrival of Mattarella aboard one of the city’s trams.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • According to him, real-world deployment is a key step to removing the practical and technological bottlenecks that humanoids face today.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
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 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on condense

Nglish: Translation of condense for Spanish Speakers

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