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Some common synonyms of condense<\/em> are compress<\/em><\/a>, constrict<\/em><\/a>, contract<\/em><\/a>, deflate<\/em><\/a>, and shrink<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to decrease in bulk or volume,\" condense<\/em> implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.<\/p>

\/\/ condense<\/em> the essay into a paragraph<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'condense'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to condense<\/em>, compress<\/em><\/a> implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.<\/p>

\/\/ compressed<\/em> cotton into bales<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'constrict' be a good substitute for 'condense'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The meanings of constrict<\/em><\/a> and condense<\/em> largely overlap; however, constrict<\/em> implies a tightening that reduces diameter.<\/p>

\/\/ the throat is constricted<\/em> by a tight collar<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'contract' take the place of 'condense'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words contract<\/em><\/a> and condense<\/em> can be used in similar contexts, but contract<\/em> applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.<\/p>

\/\/ caused her muscles to contract<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is it sensible to use 'deflate' instead of 'condense'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words deflate<\/em><\/a> and condense<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, deflate<\/em> implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.<\/p>

\/\/ deflate<\/em> the balloon<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'shrink' be used to replace 'condense'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words shrink<\/em><\/a> and condense<\/em> have much in common, shrink<\/em> implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.<\/p>

\/\/ the sweater will shrink<\/em> when washed<\/p>" } } ] }

condense

verb

kÉ™n-ˈden(t)s How to pronounce condense (audio)
Definition of condensenext
1
as in to compress
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter over time the once-fluffy material in the pillow had condensed into a lumpy wad

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to squeeze
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together condense the information into as brief a report as possible

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to reduce
to increase the strength of (a substance in a mixture) by removing other substances added condensed milk to the mix

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of condense are compress, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to condense?

While in some cases nearly identical to condense, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would constrict be a good substitute for condense?

The meanings of constrict and condense largely overlap; however, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can contract take the place of condense?

The words contract and condense can be used in similar contexts, but contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

When is it sensible to use deflate instead of condense?

The words deflate and condense 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 could shrink be used to replace condense?

Although the words shrink and condense have much in common, 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 condense Our conversation has been lightly edited and condensed. —Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 23 Mar. 2026 If a moon’s atmosphere allows gases to condense, much of this heat would escape into space. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 20 Mar. 2026 The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. —Mike Ryan, IndieWire, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for condense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for condense
  1. compress
  2. squeeze
  3. reduce
  4. shrink
  5. extract
  6. concentrate
  7. remove
Verb
  • As the air subsides, it is compressed, which warms it up.
    — Andrea Thompson, Scientific American, 20 Mar. 2026
  • That pressure pushes down on the air underneath it, compressing and heating it.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026
Definition of compress
Verb
  • The three of us squeezed into our bedroom closet and huddled over my phone.
    — Amanda Peet, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Oil prices would continue to soar, while fertilizer, generic drugs, helium and other products dependent on the strait would grow scarce, squeezing the American economy and world economy alike.
    — Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Gold has been one of the better-performing assets over the past year, and when markets get choppy, leveraged funds and institutional investors tend to reduce exposure.
    — Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The Nexstar-Tegna merger will accelerate exactly that trend, concentrating broadcast power in fewer corporate hands, shrinking independent editorial voices and prioritizing national business interests over local needs.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Gravitational waves are usually hunted by measuring distance—how space itself stretches and shrinks ever so slightly.
    — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • Against this backdrop, Cloe Tai, senior manager and head of TV and film at Google, argued that platforms and creators alike must rethink how value is extracted from audiences beyond conventional metrics.
    — Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 20 Mar. 2026
  • The recycled cotton and polyester are then extracted in batches and spun back into new denim fabric.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of extract
Verb
  • Gradually drizzle ¼ cup egg mixture into broth, concentrating in a single area; repeat with remaining egg mixture in ¼-cupfuls in different areas.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The experience incorporates Oskia skin care in a harmonious, sleep-enhancing ritual concentrated on the face, back, shoulders and scalp for children 8 and older.
    — Kathryn Romeyn, HollywoodReporter, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • Now this artist, who is devoted to depicting the Chicano struggle, says removing Chavez from artwork may be the only choice.
    — Steve Large, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • The Rodney statue has been gathering dust in storage after being removed from public view in Delaware during the 2020 racial justice protests.
    — Dan Diamond, Arkansas Online, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of remove

Browse Nearby Words

condensations
condense
condensed
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Cite this Entry

“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of condense for Spanish Speakers

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