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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

These measures have succeeded in further constricting Iran’s access to global markets, including its ability to import various wares and export key commodities such as oil. — Ali Vaez, Foreign Affairs, 29 Sep. 2026 Oil prices rose on growing fears of the Middle East conflict metastasizing and further constricting global energy flows. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 14 Sep. 2026 That’s a pretty evocative setting for a film, with the perpetual drone and roar of fighter jets overhead and an air of constricting menace pervading what should otherwise be placidly idle summer hours. — Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2026 But what makes Memphis especially dangerous is that the offense has shown an early ability to draw the opposition into defending the run game and constricting the box, then blowing the defense open with a pass over the top. — Idaho Statesman, 8 Sep. 2026 One of my biggest pet peeves is when flats dig into the back of my ankles, but these flexible slip-ons fit, well, like a glove, never feeling tight or constricting. — Jordan Julian, InStyle, 30 Aug. 2026 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

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

Experts point to busier schedules, parenting demands, shrinking friendship networks and the appeal of at-home entertainment as some possible reasons for the decline.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
Banks that limit their sourcing to other banks are competing for a shrinking pool of people who already think the way the industry has always thought.

— Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrinking

Noun

In my experience, the instinct to slow down and get every word perfect is exactly backwards under this kind of compression.

— Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
The operator then told Zach Hickerson to begin CPR and gave him instructions on how to perform chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth until emergency medical services could arrive.

— Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of compression

Verb

Advance has the backing of major Republican figures and donors, but its shadowy approach has also faced criticism for condensing complicated policy into ballot measures that may have impacts that are more far-reaching than voters understand.

— Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 8 Oct. 2026
As winds are forced up to 13,000 feet along the steep slopes of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, rapidly condensing air will squeeze out extra precipitation thanks to orographic lift.

— Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of condensing

Verb

One person, by the way, Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia , came out Thursday and said that CoreWeave is fine, doesn't need help — and, in fact, the company's cost of capital is actually decreasing because Nvidia chips more than hold their value.

— Jim Cramer, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026
Experts say forever chemicals can have a major impact on your health, compromising immunity, decreasing fertility, causing developmental delays in children and increasing the risk of certain kinds of cancers.

— WCCO Staff, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of decreasing

Noun

Poems are distillations into presence wherein now exists in blood flowing through veins, in muscles contracting and releasing, in joints flexing and extending, in this inhale, in this foot strike against the pavement, in this sigh.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026
Rankin said the board is specifically focused on avoiding conflicts of interest in contracting, strengthening workplace culture, establishing procedures for staff to raise concerns and reviewing how vacancies and reassignments are addressed.

— Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of constricting

noun

verb

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