CONSTRICT Synonyms: 59 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress , condense , contract , deflate , and shrink . While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'constrict'?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance. // compressed cotton into bales

Q: When is 'condense' a more appropriate choice than 'constrict'?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content. // condense the essay into a paragraph

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

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, 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 'constrict'?

The words deflate and constrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas. // deflate the balloon

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'constrict'?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; however, shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

constrict

verb

kən-ˈstrikt

Definition of constrict

as in to shrink

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compress

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress, condense, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to constrict?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is condense a more appropriate choice than constrict?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could contract be used to replace constrict?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, 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 constrict?

The words deflate and constrict are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might shrink be a better fit than constrict?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; 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 constrict 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 As the calendar and other political realities constrict passage of any significant federal incentive, there is also the procedural requirement that the measure go to the Joint Committee on Taxation. — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 Sep. 2026 The narrow hallways were constricted with people trying to escape the fire. — Saleh Mwanamilongo, Los Angeles Times, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for constrict

Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict

Verb

The high price of beef in North Carolina is part of a larger national problem that begins with the shrinking supply of cattle, but that’s not the only factor driving prices.

— Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026
The feedback didn’t shrink that gap any more than the sleep-hygiene sessions did.

— J. David Creswell, The Conversation, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

The biggest drag on the index was independent power producers (like Constellation, NRG, and Vistra), whose earnings multiples have compressed anywhere from 2 to 8 turns from their recent peaks.

— Michael Khouw, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
In another, an agent apparently compressed data into a roughly 35 KB file and uploaded it through ntfy, but investigators could not recover the file to determine its contents.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of compress

Verb

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
Just as a still concentrates a large batch of weak liquid into a smaller batch of strong stuff, AI distillation condenses a big model into a smaller one that, ideally, acts like the original.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of condense

Verb

But the highlight of the spa is the infinity-edge rock pool, squeezed into a canyon between towering rock walls, with views out over the valley beyond.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
It’s being squeezed by all sorts of forces, commercial forces, corporate forces, political forces.

— Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of squeeze

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constraints

constrict

constricted

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“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrict. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of constrict

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