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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of constricting
Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2024
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
The subtly stretchy fabric had the right amount of flexible elastane to achieve a close fit that never felt constricting (but was too loose on a tester with a small head).
—Mark Eller, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024
The political climate is constricting daily.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The exclusive club is more of a constricting prison.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024
Aid groups complain that Israel has been constricting the flow of food into Gaza; Israel counters that aid has piled up on the Gaza side of the border without distribution.
—Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024
The son, Antonio, had constricting epilepsy.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
With a loose fit and ribbed cuffs on the sleeves, the sweatshirt is the perfect snuggly topper, while the shorts aren’t tight or constricting, ideal for travel and the plane.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
The crossbody bag option, meanwhile, is less constricting and makes a stylish statement piece on top of any casual outfit.
—Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2024
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.
—Stephanie Zacharek, TIME, 25 Dec. 2024
The subtly stretchy fabric had the right amount of flexible elastane to achieve a close fit that never felt constricting (but was too loose on a tester with a small head).
—Mark Eller, Outside Online, 13 Dec. 2024
The political climate is constricting daily.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024
The exclusive club is more of a constricting prison.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Dec. 2024
Aid groups complain that Israel has been constricting the flow of food into Gaza; Israel counters that aid has piled up on the Gaza side of the border without distribution.
—Eugene Kontorovich, The Atlantic, 27 Nov. 2024
The son, Antonio, had constricting epilepsy.
—Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 24 Nov. 2024
With a loose fit and ribbed cuffs on the sleeves, the sweatshirt is the perfect snuggly topper, while the shorts aren’t tight or constricting, ideal for travel and the plane.
—Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 22 Nov. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constricting
Verb
-
The pool of available CPAs has been shrinking as Baby Boomers and some Gen Xers retire.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.—
Andrew DeAngelo,
Forbes,
24 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Stock in natural gas compression company Kodiak Gas Services was down 16% in 2025 through Thursday.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
23 May 2025
-
Offerings include compression boot therapy, cryotherapy, and vibroacoustic therapy, along with myofascial cupping, dry needling, and physiotherapy.—
Siobhan Reid,
Travel + Leisure,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
The tariffs had arrived like a slow leak — not a headline crisis, but a steady constriction that made every deal just a little worse for a dealership already on edge.—
Eli Saslow,
New York Times,
4 May 2025
-
The plain and active meaning of the word cannot be diluted by its constriction, as the government would have it, to a narrow term of art.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
There might be a squeeze for retail space in the Hamptons, but there are enough high-profile launches happening this season to make the shopping scene interesting — and a bit different for those summering on Long Island’s luxurious East End.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
24 May 2025
-
With a gentle squeeze of the foot, Flappy and Flora invite your baby to play peek-a-boo and sing along, teaching cause and effect.—
Pamela Brill,
Parents,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
North American carriers saw a 0.1 percent year-on-year drop in demand for air travel in March, marking a second consecutive month of year-on-year contraction.—
Soo Kim,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
-
Launching a new company in today’s volatile climate — following strikes and major industry contraction — is no easy feat.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
17 May 2025
Noun
-
Cut to: Lidia drawing a smiley face with the condensation from an airplane window, as water comes to represent freedom from pain in three different ways across the span of a single sequence.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
16 May 2025
-
Wasserman tested the plywood and fabric panel and noticed some condensation on the plywood after having the unit on for a few hours (which is normal).—
Yelena Moroz Alpert,
Architectural Digest,
12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Constricting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constricting. Accessed 31 May. 2025.
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