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contract

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verb

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as in to bargain
to come to an arrangement as to a course of action the farmer contracted for delivery of the hay by the first of July

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of contract are compress, condense, constrict, deflate, and shrink. While all these words 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

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to contract?

In some situations, the words compress and contract are roughly equivalent. However, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would condense be a good substitute for contract?

Although the words condense and contract have much in common, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of contract?

The words constrict and contract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can deflate take the place of contract?

While in some cases nearly identical to contract, 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 contract?

The synonyms shrink and contract are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 contract
Noun
The estimates for his contract are going anywhere from $8 million to north of $11 million per year. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 12 June 2025 If Jefferson can’t get healthy, the Sky likely will waive a contract to look for a perimeter player who can help team defense and facilitation while also producing some 3-point shooting. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
Verb
The missions would be contracted under the U.S. space agency's commercial crew program, under which NASA pays private companies to conduct orbital spaceflights using their own commercial vehicles. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 6 June 2025 With more than 1,100 measles cases already reported in the US this year, experts are urging vacationers to take extra precautions to avoid contracting the highly contagious virus. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • The rally in healthcare has been driven by cross-border deals, positive drug approvals, and broad policy support.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
  • At the beginning of the year, WWD reported that Medik8 was exploring deal options.
    Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Another item that could go before the commission on June 12 is an agreement with Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would deputize city police officers with immigration enforcement powers.
    Tess Riski, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025
  • While there was agreement to exchange more prisoners, Moscow and Kyiv remain deeply divided over how to bring the costly and bitter Ukraine war to an end.
    Matthew Chance, CNN Money, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Christina Aguilera didn't let the haters get her down early in her career.
    Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 14 June 2025
  • His parents weren't totally aware of his unusual spot to get a few hours of rest.
    Marina Watts, People.com, 13 June 2025
Verb
  • The unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, but the workforce shrank by 625,000 people.
    Scott Horsley, NPR, 6 June 2025
  • The states sued after the administration terminated over 1,000 grants and placed 85% of AmeriCorps' staff on administrative leave with the intent to terminate them effective June 24 as part of a push by Trump and the Department of Government Efficiency to shrink the federal government.
    Nate Raymond, USA Today, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • As more and more bodies compress into each other, the risk of falling and being trampled increases exponentially.
    Randall Colburn, EW.com, 10 June 2025
  • The chapters on her years as Prime Minister are compressed into a straightforward recounting of events.
    Rachel Morris, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • Medicine and equipment was stolen amid the fighting, so nurses have learned to bargain for it at nearby pharmacies.
    Sophie Neiman, Christian Science Monitor, 5 May 2025
  • The two unions have joined together to bargain, with negotiations continuing over the past week on issues like holidays, alternative work weeks, time off, health insurance and retirement plans.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2025
Noun
  • Rings of Power, for instance, was not officially renewed for months and months when season 3 was supposedly going to be a guarantee initially.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 8 June 2025
  • While the group has only submitted the proposal to the city, there is no guarantee the City Council will consider it.
    Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • That spring, Disney and Comcast negotiated a pact that outlined the governance of the service while it was jointly owned by the two companies and also provided a blueprint to dissolve their partnership.
    Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • During his first term, Trump ditched Tehran's 2015 nuclear pact with six powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.
    Parisa Hafezi, USA Today, 5 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 16 Jun. 2025.

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