as in compression
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing
most substances undergo contraction when cooled
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contraction
The latter figure is less than last year’s increase, which, despite market contraction, rose by 2%.
—
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Unlike Legend's birth four years ago, Bennett had no epidural to ease the process worsening her contractions.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
These electrolytes are crucial for everything from heart function to muscle contractions.
—Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
One of them is pupil dilation and contraction, which work in in synchrony with the norepinephrine levels.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contraction 
Max Goldbart, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Unlike Legend's birth four years ago, Bennett had no epidural to ease the process worsening her contractions.
—Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2025
These electrolytes are crucial for everything from heart function to muscle contractions.
—Bryn Beeder, The Conversation, 21 Jan. 2025
One of them is pupil dilation and contraction, which work in in synchrony with the norepinephrine levels.
—Ars Technica, 20 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for contraction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contraction
Noun
-
The company continues to focus on expanding its compression services in unconventional resource plays across the U.S., with capital expenditures planned between $158 million and $182 million for 2025.—
Quartz Intelligence Newsroom,
Quartz,
11 Feb. 2025
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Their compression is also flattering for my backside and thighs since the thick fabric provides a subtle lift that accentuates my curves.—
Ali Faccenda,
People.com,
7 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
While most attic designs count on vents to prevent condensation, Chasen’s didn’t.—
Natalie Donback,
TIME,
17 Feb. 2025
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Inspectors described instances of meat residue, mold, dripping condensation and even insects contaminating production areas.—
Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell,
Newsweek,
14 Jan. 2025
Noun
-
Start with a squeeze or two, then taste and adjust as needed.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
18 Feb. 2025
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If that revenue figure falls dramatically, MLB teams may feel a real squeeze – one that could easily affect the roster construction of teams down the road.—
Alex Sherman,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Asthma is a serious medical condition that causes inflammation and constriction of the airways.—
Lana Barhum,
Verywell Health,
10 Jan. 2025
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In an account of the contribution that Gabriel García Márquez’s One Hundred Years of Solitude makes to world literature, Jameson contends that its form allows a new picture of utopia, one that survives the constriction of history: The solitude of the title . . .—
Mark Greif,
Harper's Magazine,
26 July 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Contraction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contraction. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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