1
as in compresses
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter
the sweater will shrink a little when washed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in recoils
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in decreases
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 shrinks
Young quarterbacks can be inconsistent in the red zone because the field shrinks and timing and accuracy become even more important.
—
Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Her goal with the company is to provide performance opportunities for local professional opera singers who have seen their work dwindle as the industry shrinks.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
As Omenihu indicated, the margin for error shrinks with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles coming to GEHA Field at Arrowhead on Sunday.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
When public funding shrinks and companies shift toward expensive products instead of lower-cost improvements, overall health spending can rise.
—Zeynep Hasgül, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
If agents rise and Mastercard isn’t part of the new commerce reality, its role shrinks.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The hippocampus is primarily responsible for memory and learning, and commonly shrinks, or atrophies, after a stroke.
—New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025
This means green signals are inherently weaker, and when outdoor sunlight adds noise, the measurement range shrinks even further, and accuracy deteriorates.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
As the images progress, the left pupil shrinks to a narrow black speck while the right eye remains normally dilated, giving the feline an unmistakably lopsided expression.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Cameron Teague Robinson, New York Times, 15 Sep. 2025
Her goal with the company is to provide performance opportunities for local professional opera singers who have seen their work dwindle as the industry shrinks.
—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Sep. 2025
As Omenihu indicated, the margin for error shrinks with Jalen Hurts and the Eagles coming to GEHA Field at Arrowhead on Sunday.
—Pete Sweeney, Kansas City Star, 12 Sep. 2025
When public funding shrinks and companies shift toward expensive products instead of lower-cost improvements, overall health spending can rise.
—Zeynep Hasgül, The Conversation, 12 Sep. 2025
If agents rise and Mastercard isn’t part of the new commerce reality, its role shrinks.
—Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
The hippocampus is primarily responsible for memory and learning, and commonly shrinks, or atrophies, after a stroke.
—New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025
This means green signals are inherently weaker, and when outdoor sunlight adds noise, the measurement range shrinks even further, and accuracy deteriorates.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
As the images progress, the left pupil shrinks to a narrow black speck while the right eye remains normally dilated, giving the feline an unmistakably lopsided expression.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinks
Verb
-
This compresses the heart and keeps blood flowing until the heart restarts or professional help arrives.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Circana’s Liquid Mix compresses that cycle to minutes, vastly improving how brands can respond to market signals.—
Kiri Masters,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
But if your branding was clearer, stronger and more emotionally resonant, your LTV could be double, while your CAC decreases.—
Erik Huberman,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Johnston said his budget plans for zero overall growth in revenue and added that unless Denver's income actually decreases, there won't be any more layoffs next year.—
Elliott Wenzler,
Denver Post,
16 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
If Weiler’s construction provides the opportunity to see a series of fine actors at work with delicate tête-à-têtes, the neatness of the structure constricts some of the feeling.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Bingo momentarily flinches, and Atlas rolls onto his back in response.—
Lydia Patrick,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
-
Months later, Anderson, 50, still avoids crowds, doesn’t go out after dark and flinches when the doorbell rings.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As the shoreline’s clarity diminishes, Berry stressed the importance of this research for conservation efforts, especially doing it collaboratively.—
Amelia Wu,
Sacbee.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
At the Martian poles in summer, the frozen carbon dioxide sublimates – transforming from a frozen solid to a gas – and then at the winter pole condenses back into a frozen solid.—
Joel S. Levine,
The Conversation,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The water condenses on the glass and flows down a tube to emerge as fresh, drinkable water.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
6 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
These double peaks occur when solar activity spikes, subsides, and then returns a few years later.—
Jamie Carter,
Forbes.com,
1 Sep. 2025
-
Fortunately, the issue subsides once the instruments and vocals stack on top.—
Mark Knapp,
PC Magazine,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
On recovery, the fan collapses just as quickly, reducing drag.—
John Drake,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
Just moments later, the robot slips on a carpet and collapses to the ground, only to spring back upright in less than a second.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinks.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinks. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share