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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 The rapid earnings growth also has the effect of compressing multiples. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 9 Oct. 2026 Otherwise, the role gets compressed without being redesigned. — Keith Ferrazzi, Fortune, 8 Oct. 2026 Steroid injections can provide relief from the pain and swelling of carpal tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed in the wrist. — Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Oct. 2026 Neither fixes a demand-capture channel when demand capture itself is what’s compressing. — Gaetano Romeo, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compress

Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress

Verb

Headway condenses nonfiction and fiction books into 15-minute summaries that make key ideas easier to fit into your schedule.

— StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 9 Oct. 2026
Under their proposal, the intervening day before a vote to break a filibuster would be eliminated and debate time condensed, removing dead time from the Senate floor.

— Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of condense

Verb

Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones also have built-in ways to send photo files without relying on a messaging app that may shrink them along the way.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
The domestic economy is otherwise moribund, hampered by bad debts and a shrinking labor force.

— RUCHIR SHARMA, Foreign Affairs, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

But in recent years, the shows have become money losers and the network TV business — faced with a decline in viewers that is squeezing profits — are cutting them loose.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
However, rising costs for housing, food, fuel and insurance coupled with cooling employment rends and the lowest consumer sentiment in a decade is squeezing discretionary spending.

— Vicki M. Young, Footwear News, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of squeeze

Cite this Entry

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“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of compress

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