contract 1 of 2

Definition of contractnext

contract

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verb

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as in to bargain
to come to an arrangement as to a course of action the farmer contracted for delivery of the hay by the first of July

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of contract are compress, condense, constrict, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to contract?

In some situations, the words compress and contract are roughly equivalent. However, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would condense be a good substitute for contract?

Although the words condense and contract have much in common, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of contract?

The words constrict and contract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can deflate take the place of contract?

While in some cases nearly identical to contract, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might shrink be a better fit than contract?

The synonyms shrink and contract are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 contract
Noun
Two-way contracts, which pay half the NBA rookie minimum and do not count toward the salary cap or luxury tax, allow for players to be on their NBA team’s active list for as many as 50 regular-season games with other game action having to come in the G League. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 June 2026 Limited runs allow film and television stars to enjoy a turn on the stage without committing to a nine-month contract. Katie North, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
Verb
Skyler Buckner is the owner of Rise Above Remodeling, a general contracting company in Phoenix. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 But the Denver City Council voted overwhelmingly against the lease last December, after learning Key Lime Air had contracted with federal immigration authorities to transport detainees. Brian Maass, CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • The NBCUniversal spin-off is envisioned as a tax-free transaction for shareholders, providing a short-term buffer from deal-making to preserve that structure.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • Now, the 76ers have some hope, as the franchise on Wednesday agreed to a deal for Boston Celtics star forward Jaylen Brown, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and other news reports.
    Tim Casey, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Historians are in broad agreement that this year’s celebration has garnered far less attention than the bicentennial, marked in 1976, which generated blanket media coverage and widespread national excitement.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • The Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted to approve the mutual separation agreement between Williams and the city at Thursday evening’s commission meeting.
    Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • One thing everyone agrees on, though, is that airfare is likely to keep getting more expensive.
    Zach Wichter, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • And the research proves that this type of bias is only getting worse.
    Colleen Batchelder, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The reason is that the administration has shrunk the requirements for reports of immunization from states, changing the reports from mandated to voluntary.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Just verify messages directly, use a password manager, turn on account alerts and shrink the personal data brokers keep on you.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The consumer version compresses that same idea into a ring, watch or app.
    Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 3 July 2026
  • Investment grade spreads are trading near historical tights, and high yield spreads have compressed below 300 basis points — a level that, according to iShares analysis, has occurred only 5% of the time since January 2000.
    Jason Kirsch, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • The two sides will bargain behind closed doors, and away from journalists and influencers, and eventually reach a compromise both can live with.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 2 July 2026
  • The curbing of telework comes as a blow to SEIU Local 1000, the only state worker union bargaining a new contract with the Newsom administration this year.
    William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026
Noun
  • Under Proposition 98, approved by voters in 1988, California has a minimum funding guarantee for schools and community colleges and dedicates roughly 40% of general fund revenue to education.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Once a newly public company has an influx of cash from the IPO, there is no guarantee that the company will spend it wisely.
    Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Hezbollah was not included in the negotiations over the pact.
    Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Under the pact, Point Grey will have a first look at new projects McAtee is producing.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 30 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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