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

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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 Ad revenue for late-night entertainment broadcasts has shrunk sharply as the audience, particularly young men, turn to streaming or other priorities. —David Bauder, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2025 There's the collapse of TV late-night’s business model amid rising costs, declining profits, and shrinking viewership. —Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 22 July 2025 Americans became more aware of the health risks, and the recession shrank their indoor-tanning budgets. —Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 19 July 2025 The good news is that the potential to compound one’s wealth grows by the day as the world shrinks by the day through commercial advances that reach greater and greater numbers of people. —John Tamny, Forbes.com, 12 July 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
  • The answer is a large-scale study (compressing five days of work into four) that employs more objective measurements in addition to self-reports and shows results that satisfy both worker well-being and business objectives.
    — Bryan Robinson, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • They are often compressed into triangular, ball, or cylinder shapes and wrapped in seaweed.
    — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 26 July 2025
Definition of compress
Verb
  • But thousands of miles away, executives at China’s leading autonomous driving firms didn’t flinch.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 15 July 2025
  • Sipp slightly flinched his left arm before throwing a pitch to Emmanuel Burriss, allowing Miguel Tejada to score and sending San Francisco to its fourth straight win.
    — Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025
Definition of flinch
Verb
  • The folate in avocado also aids in controlling serotonin and dopamine levels, which can decrease risk of depression.
    — Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 31 July 2025
  • The three main causes of hydroplaning are: Vehicle speed - When a vehicle's speed increases, the tire-traction grip and ability to control the vehicle decreases.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 31 July 2025
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — David Hochman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 25 July 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • As the prosecutor described the fatal injuries her daughter faced, Scarbrough bowed her head and winced.
    — David Clarey, jsonline.com, 3 July 2025
  • Dakota Johnson is more charming than usual here but moves like someone whose feet have never touched the ground, who has never winced looking at a bill.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 25 June 2025
Definition of wince
Verb
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Aug. 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • While Atmos for film can be thrilling, especially in a multi-speaker theater, it’s constricted by the need to put dialog front and center.
    — Ryan Waniata, Wired News, 20 July 2025
  • Instead, take off any rings or watches or anything else that could constrict swelling, keep the area still and level with the heart.
    — Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 11 July 2025
Definition of constrict
Verb
  • Markets recoiled at the news, with the Dow Jones industrial average dropping 1.4%, the Nasdaq falling 1.2% and the Standard & Poor’s 500 sinking 1.2%.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2025
  • In a clip posted online, Stone can be seen recoiling from an inquisitive bee Amid posing for photographs, Stone’s two costars stepped in to help Emma Stone is all abuzz at the Cannes Film Festival.
    — Jack Smart, People.com, 16 May 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 4 Aug. 2025.

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