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Some common synonyms of contract<\/em> are compress<\/em><\/a>, condense<\/em><\/a>, constrict<\/em><\/a>, deflate<\/em><\/a>, and shrink<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to decrease in bulk or volume,\" 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": "Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words compress<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, compress<\/em> 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 'condense' be a good substitute for 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words condense<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> have much in common, 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": "When is it sensible to use 'constrict' instead of 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words constrict<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'deflate' take the place of 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to contract<\/em>, deflate<\/em><\/a> implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.<\/p>

\/\/ deflate<\/em> the balloon<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms shrink<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but 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>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is the word 'contract' different from other verbs like it?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Some common synonyms of contract<\/em> are compress<\/em><\/a>, condense<\/em><\/a>, constrict<\/em><\/a>, deflate<\/em><\/a>, and shrink<\/em><\/a>. While all these words mean \"to decrease in bulk or volume,\" 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": "Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

In some situations, the words compress<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> are roughly equivalent. However, compress<\/em> 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 'condense' be a good substitute for 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Although the words condense<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> have much in common, 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": "When is it sensible to use 'constrict' instead of 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words constrict<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'deflate' take the place of 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to contract<\/em>, deflate<\/em><\/a> implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.<\/p>

\/\/ deflate<\/em> the balloon<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'contract'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms shrink<\/em><\/a> and contract<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but 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>" } } ] }

contract 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ËŒtrakt How to pronounce contract (audio)
Definition of contractnext
1
as in deal
a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation accused her of breaking their contract by not completing the decorating job on budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in agreement
an arrangement about action to be taken a contract outlining what needed to be done by each person

Synonyms & Similar Words

contract

2 of 2

verb

ˈkän-ËŒtrakt How to pronounce contract (audio)
1
as in to get
to become affected with (a disease or disorder) before vaccines were invented, people lived in fear of contracting polio

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shrink
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter metal contracts at low temperatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to compress
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together contract the calf muscles in your legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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

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
Tauchman, in camp on a minor league contract, is competing with Carson Benge for the starting right field job. —Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2026 The Dodgers signed former major league left-hander Logan Allen to a minor-league contract. —Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
That number is expected to grow to about 1,150 by 2050, according to a July 2020 report from a design and real estate firm the county contracted. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 Mar. 2026 Lowe's does not do the flooring installation in-house, but contracts the work out to local flooring installers. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
  1. deal
  2. agreement
  3. get
  4. shrink
  5. compress
  6. bargain
  7. guarantee
  8. pact
Noun
  • Past grand juries have issued reports raising awareness of shady land deals, questionable legislative appropriations and officials slow-walking public records requests.
    — Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Sinema, meanwhile, served from 2019 to 2025 and helped clinch a Biden-era bipartisan gun safety deal.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 26 Mar. 2026
Definition of deal
Noun
  • As members of Biden’s team briefed the incoming secretary of state on the agreement, most expected the zealous Republican to squash the deal as too soft on Cuba’s authoritarian government, according to two people familiar with the meeting.
    — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 24 Mar. 2026
  • As per the agreement, the construction at the sites is expected to be completed by 2030.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 24 Mar. 2026
Definition of agreement
Verb
  • Store it all in the ski locker room, and getting slopeside is a breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Heritage took the 2-1 lead in the second half when Atkins got the score off an Emersen Andries assist and the Panthers’ defense held on late to advance.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of get
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
  • 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 Ann Arbor Public Schools will continue bargaining with all employee groups in good faith.
    — Jack Springgate, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
  • His core thesis was that the president’s formal constitutional powers are constrained, with their effectiveness reliant on their ability to bargain and persuade other key political players.
    — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of bargain
Noun
  • And the mayors want a guarantee that $1 billion will be in future budgets every year.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Tehran’s conditions include a demand for guarantees that the US and Israel won’t resume their attacks, reparations for war damages and recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported today.
    — Jennifer Duggan, Bloomberg, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of guarantee
Noun
  • On March 9, Hims & Hers announced a new partnership with Novo Nordisk, after an earlier attempt at a pact crumbled last year.
    — CHRISTOPHER ROWLAND THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Mar. 2026
  • But given his short-term pact, the Panthers still have draft flexibility to add a long-term option at the position.
    — Mike Kaye Updated March 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of pact

Browse Nearby Words

contrabandists
contract
contracted
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Cite this Entry

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

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More from Merriam-Webster on contract

Nglish: Translation of contract for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about contract

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