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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2
as in to flinch
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust shrinking back from the approaching flames

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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 Economies will begin to shrink drastically as populations age out of work. —Avivah Wittenberg-Cox, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 The fact that just one tiny patch can shrink the look of her pimple in a single use. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 5 June 2025 The 15-year-old competitive swimmer from Angleton, Texas, went through aggressive chemo and radiation in an attempt to shrink the avocado-sized tumor. —Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 4 June 2025 The layoffs of tens of thousands of staff across the federal government are a critical piece of a push by the Republican president and billionaire adviser Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the federal government and drastically cut spending. —Daniel Wiessner, USA Today, 23 May 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
  • As more and more bodies compress into each other, the risk of falling and being trampled increases exponentially.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 10 June 2025
  • The chapters on her years as Prime Minister are compressed into a straightforward recounting of events.
    — Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Definition of compress
Verb
  • Amid tension over OpenAI’s corporate structure, the organization’s corporate development hasn’t so much as flinched.
    — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 30 May 2025
  • Ariane’s first instinctive reaction to her mother’s extended hand is to flinch.
    — Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 23 May 2025
Definition of flinch
Verb
  • Several people are still unaccounted for, but the number of missing people has slowly decreased, a San Antonio Fire Department spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE.
    — Charna Flam, People.com, 14 June 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, 14 June 2025
Definition of decrease
Verb
  • All answers have been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025
  • This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • Harper crumbled to one knee, wincing in anguish, as Phillies fans quaked with their worst possible nightmare — that their superstar first-baseman is seriously injured.
    — Anthony Stitt, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
  • Scheffler was seen wincing in pain after his tee shot on the second hole at Colonial Country Club during the second round of the Charles Schwab Challenge.
    — Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 May 2025
Definition of wince
Verb
  • The perception that Iran’s military strength is significantly diminished will raise questions about the stability of its political system.
    — Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 14 June 2025
  • Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.
    — NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 14 June 2025
Definition of diminish
Verb
  • When that happens, your muscles contract, causing shivers, and blood vessels constrict to retain heat.
    — Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
  • In cold weather, lips can appear blue because capillaries constrict, blood loses oxygen and changes to a darker color.
    — Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of constrict
Verb
  • Here's the news: Some Republicans recoiled at the Trump-Musk feud.
    — Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 7 June 2025
  • One poster for the movie depicted classic Disney characters like Pinocchio, Jasmine, Belle recoiling from Stitch in horror.
    — Brooks Barnes, New York Times, 2 June 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 17 Jun. 2025.

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