SHRINK Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shrink

verb

ˈshriŋk

Definition of shrink next

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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as in to flinch

to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust shrinking back from the approaching flames

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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 Financially, the church has seen its parish giving increase 21% over the past decade, but the trends of shrinking religious participation have been building across the country for decades. —

Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026 At the same time, the share of systems rated good or excellent has shrunk to by almost half to just 8%. —

Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 Apr. 2026 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, 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 See All Example Sentences for shrink

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink

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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shrines

shrink

shrinkage

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

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Synonyms of shrink

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That Shrinking Feeling

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