COMPRESS Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'compress' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of compress are condense , constrict , contract , deflate , and shrink . While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," 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 'compress'?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content. // condense the essay into a paragraph

Q: When is it sensible to use 'constrict' instead of 'compress'?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: When could 'contract' be used to replace 'compress'?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress , 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 'compress'?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas. // deflate the balloon

Q: When would 'shrink' be a good substitute for 'compress'?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. However, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

compress

verb

kəm-ˈpres

Definition of compress

as in to condense

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shrink

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the substance can compress under pressure

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of compress are condense, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," 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 compress?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, 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 compress?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When could contract be used to replace compress?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress, 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 compress?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When would shrink be a good substitute for compress?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. However, 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 compress Framed as an ensemble drama rather than the story of a single heroic whistleblower, the production compresses Ibsen’s plot, reimagines the ending and leans into satire without sacrificing moral bite. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 This lightweight puffer jacket compresses down to take up such little room. — Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026 An autopsy determined that the boy’s bowels had compressed his lungs and heart, which stopped beating. — Audrey Dutton, ProPublica, 25 Aug. 2026 That intuition usually takes years to build, but a new controller from MIT engineers compresses that learning curve to a single session. — New Atlas, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress

Verb

This conversation has been edited and condensed for concision and clarity.

— Hok-hang Cheung, ARTnews.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Two-phase systems allow the fluid to boil near hot components before condensing and returning to the bath.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of condense

Verb

Unless those policies change, a shrinking workforce will cause slower economic growth and lead to more expensive public debt.

— Stuart Anderson, Washington Post, 3 Sep. 2026
This is in part because, whether owing to shrinking foreign-news budgets or to a reluctance to have individual correspondents expound on such a broad array of topics and countries, careers like Ascherson’s barely exist anymore.

— Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

The Middle East war and the resulting shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz drove up global commodity costs, further squeezing Beijing's own appetite for commodity imports.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
Independent designers, once a discovery engine, were being squeezed, while the biggest brands put more investment into their own stores, creating a dichotomy in experiences that Bron felt was palpable.

— Hilary Milnes, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of squeeze

Cite this Entry

Style

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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