1
as in shrinks
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 compresses
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together
constricted the opening with a clamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constricts
This means giving up the exalted and exaggerated idea of the West that boosts a masculinist self-image but severely constricts thought and feeling.
—
Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—Manahil Ahmad, The Providence Journal, 25 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Jan. 2026
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
—Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation.
—Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease drugs Caffeine constricts blood vessels and tightens the blood-brain barrier, potentially limiting how much Alzheimer’s medication reaches the brain and reducing its therapeutic benefit.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026
The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement.
—Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026
That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—Manahil Ahmad, The Providence Journal, 25 Jan. 2026
Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain.
—Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 23 Jan. 2026
Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles.
—Outside, 10 Dec. 2025
Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation.
—Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025
Alzheimer’s disease drugs Caffeine constricts blood vessels and tightens the blood-brain barrier, potentially limiting how much Alzheimer’s medication reaches the brain and reducing its therapeutic benefit.
—Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricts
Verb
-
If the potential experiences net growth from the time the wave enters to the time the wave leaves, there’s an additional imprint of a net redshift; if the potential shrinks, there’s an additional imprint of a net blueshift.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
3 Apr. 2026
-
That’s because many airlines use dynamic pricing, which raises fares as demand increases and seat availability shrinks.—
Layla Melendez,
CNBC,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The back line compresses space, the midfield disrupts passing lanes and Ferree has commanded his box with composure beyond his years.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Most have a double-zipper system, with one zipper to close the cube and a second zipper that compresses it to a fraction of its full size.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Due to extra off days in April, the Yankees will begin the season with a four-man starting staff but plan to re-incorporate Gil in the rotation once the schedule condenses.—
Peter Sblendorio,
New York Daily News,
23 Mar. 2026
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The network does not air the BAFTAs live, but edits and condenses the three-hour show into a two-hour program to be broadcast later.—
Ryan Coleman,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The pencil-thin DQ Tower squeezes a full home into a very slender footprint, while the EONE XL takes a wider prefab approach to the same basic challenge.—
Stefan Ionescu
March 30,
New Atlas,
30 Mar. 2026
-
There’s no end to the war in sight after one month as Iran squeezes the global economy.—
Kayla Hayempour,
NBC news,
29 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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