CONSTRICTING Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

constricting 1 of 2

noun

as in squeezing

the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing the constant constricting of the animal's throat had caused permanent damage

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constricting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of constrict

as in shrinking

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in compressing

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together constricted the opening with a clamp

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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 constricting

Noun

The Russian director’s first film in English, by contrast, is testosterone-driven, a father-son story in which the constricting codes of masculinity lead to senseless loss. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2026 This spring, trending styles are continuing to divert from slimmer, constricting fits, with many embracing an ultra-relaxed look that leaves room for comfort and experimentation. — Emily Kelleher, InStyle, 12 Apr. 2026 Howard and her team got the company to redesign the uniform after about a year of trying, swapping the constricting top for a looser one. — Starre Vartan, CNN Money, 16 Dec. 2025 Toddlers and babies especially might especially appreciate a break from their constricting seat, and a change in scenery, by talking a walk up and down the aisles with mom or dad. — Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 Oct. 2025 Its space is at once endless and constricting. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2025 Wildlife art can be confining, constricting, customary; contemporary artists are assuring its survival and vibrancy by breaking from the traditional. — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Verb

This light, airy matching set provides coverage without feeling stuffy or constricting. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 13 Aug. 2026 Nothing detracts from a breezy summer set like constricting lace-ups. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 23 July 2026 Oil prices have been volatile since the start of the war in Iran, with the country’s de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz constricting traffic of 20 percent of the world’s oil supply. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 23 July 2026 Zero compression would be the pressure a regular athletic sock provides, which isn’t constricting but may offer arch support and padding. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 July 2026 Its billowy fit allows for movement and breeze—never constricting or uncomfortable. — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 27 June 2026 According to Higgins, many over-the-counter products can cause or worsen high blood pressure by constricting your blood vessels or retaining water in your body. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026 Led by Volcker, the Fed squeezed inflation out of the economy by constricting money supply increases. — Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 31 May 2026 Best super-stretchy jeans These ultrasoft jeans are designed to flatter every curve without ever being too tight or constricting. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 29 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricting

Noun

So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.

— Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026

Definition of squeezing

Verb

Advanced robotics and a rapid rollout of AI should counter the shrinking workforce, while creating enough new jobs to keep youth disaffection at bay.

— Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
At the same time, the world’s glaciers are shrinking because of the warming planet.

— Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of shrinking

Verb

To gauge correctly, people can place a measuring tape around the abdomen, between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the hip bones, keeping the tape level and snug but not compressing the skin.

— Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
These robust profits are compressing forward multiples, making stocks appear cheaper despite rising prices.

— Andrew Graham, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of compressing

Verb

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
However, even before the cancelation, there was speculation that the LA Jazz Festival was in trouble after organizers quietly started condensing the fest’s events, which was initially supposed to run from August 7 to August 23.

— Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of condensing

Noun

Those whose feet are wont to slip out of their kicks while in motion will be happy to know that the Novablast 6’s tongue and overall construction locks the entire foot in without constriction.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
While the bulk of the research centers on macroeconomic issues and the constriction in the major studio space, the study also provides a sobering look at what ails the indie film sector.

— Brent Lang, IndieWire, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of constriction

Verb

The vaccines don’t block all flu infections but do help prevent the worst outcomes, decreasing older adults’ hospitalizations by 31%, according to the Vaccine Integrity Project, a public health group based at the University of Minnesota.

— Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026
If the network of user devices is substantial enough, every job can be routed to a nearby device, decreasing the latency.

— Dina Genkina, IEEE Spectrum, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of decreasing

Noun

Investigators accused him of obstruction of justice, unlawful contracting and, among other things, claiming $127,630 in expenses linked to fictitious missions and plane tickets for nearly a dozen trips.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026
The people who were in the area of the fire and the injured person all worked for Ford's contracting company Leadec Industrial Services, Elliott said.

— Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of contracting

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constricted

constricting

constriction

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

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Synonyms of constricting

noun

verb

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