CONSTRICTS Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

constricts

verb

present tense third-person singular of constrict

as in shrinks

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 compresses

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 constricts This stress response constricts blood vessels and accelerates heart rate, which can contribute to blood pressure spikes. — Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 11 June 2026 The coldness of the water constricts arteries, requiring the heart to work harder than normal to function. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 14 Apr. 2026 This means giving up the exalted and exaggerated idea of the West that boosts a masculinist self-image but severely constricts thought and feeling. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 The psychic and physical toll of white supremacy, sustained cruelty, imprisonment, famine, poverty, depression, grief, or illness constricts one’s depth of imagination and movement. — Literary Hub, 19 Feb. 2026 That’s because the physical exertion of shoveling increases heart rate and blood pressure, while at the same time the cold constricts blood vessels–a double whammy of stressors. — Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 28 Jan. 2026 Breathing in cold air constricts blood vessels, which elevates blood pressure and narrows coronary arteries, increasing the risk of cardiac strain. — Manahil Ahmad, The Providence Journal, 25 Jan. 2026 Cold water immersion constricts blood vessels, reduces swelling, numbs sore areas, and flushes lactic acid from the muscles. — Outside, 10 Dec. 2025 Without this process, the air would be colder and drier, which irritates and constricts the airways and can lead to inflammation. — Sarah Philip, Popular Science, 4 Dec. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricts

Verb

That offset shrinks to only 38mm when installing a 280mm radiator kit.

— Thomas Soderstrom, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2026
Since rates are computed by dividing the number of cases by the population at risk in a specified time period, then by definition, if the number of cases stays the same but the size of the denominator shrinks, the rates will be higher.

— Nancy Krieger, STAT, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrinks

Verb

High-rises are expected to settle as their enormous weight compresses the ground beneath them, but that settlement is expected to stop soon after construction.

— Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Deal teams that prepare before a potential transaction (something my company has created a checklist for) can gain an advantage as technology compresses timelines.

— Rusty Wiley, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of compresses

Verb

Paraphrasing generally restates the original information in different language while retaining the key ideas, whereas summarizing condenses the information into a shorter version.

— Ethan Stone, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of condenses

Verb

But as the Iran war squeezes Republicans ahead of the midterms, Democrats are aligning to call for the defense secretary’s ouster or resignation.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 9 Oct. 2026
That wrestling match itself, however, makes for compelling theater about as often as the camel squeezes through the needle.

— Sara Holdren, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of squeezes

Browse Nearby Words

constrictors

constricts

constringe

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“Constricts.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricts. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of constricts

verb

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