condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s How to pronounce condense (audio)
condensed; condensing
Synonyms of condensenext

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact
especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

: to undergo condensation
condensable adjective
or less commonly condensible
kən-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce condense (audio)

Synonyms

See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus 
Choose the Right Synonym for condense

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of condense in a Sentence

The information is collected and then passed on to the CEO in condensed form. The cooler temperatures cause the gas to condense into a liquid. Moisture in the air condenses to form tiny drops of water. Condense the milk by cooking it slowly.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 2024 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 5 Nov. 2024 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision. —Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024 This interview has been edited and condensed from two conversations. —David Marchese, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for condense 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin condensare, from com- + densare to make dense, from densus dense

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of condense was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near condense

condensative

condense

condensed

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/condense. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

condense

verb
con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s How to pronounce condense (audio)
condensed; condensing
1
: to make or become more close, compact, concise, or dense : concentrate
condense a paragraph into a sentence
2
: to change from a less dense to a denser form
steam condenses into water

Medical Definition

condense

verb
con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s How to pronounce condense (audio)
condensed; condensing

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact
especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

1
: to undergo condensation
2
: to become visibly dense or more compact
the chromosomes condense during prophase
condensable
-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl How to pronounce condense (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on condense

Nglish: Translation of condense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of condense for Arabic Speakers

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