compress

verb

kəm-ˈpres How to pronounce compress (audio)
Definition of compressnext
1
as in to condense
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together a science textbook that compresses a lot of information about human reproduction into a few short chapters

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shrink
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the substance can compress under pressure

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of compress are condense, constrict, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When might condense be a better fit than compress?

While the synonyms condense and compress are close in meaning, 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 compress?

The words constrict and compress can be used in similar contexts, but constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

When could contract be used to replace compress?

While in some cases nearly identical to compress, contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

In what contexts can deflate take the place of compress?

Although the words deflate and compress have much in common, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When would shrink be a good substitute for compress?

In some situations, the words shrink and compress are roughly equivalent. However, 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 compress For complex tasks, the smartphone can further compress the latent representations and forward them to cloud servers for specialized processing (e.g., full document OCR or advanced medical diagnostics). —Wei Duan, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025 More importantly, compressed monthly changes highlight the general lack of homebuying demand that continues to characterize the current housing market. —Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Mar. 2025 Sitting in this position can also compress nerves and blood vessels in the legs, causing numbness and tingling. 7. —David Kesselman, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025 The air, compressed to subsonic speeds, mixes with fuel (typically hydrogen) and ignites in a combustion chamber. —Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for compress
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compress
  1. condense
  2. shrink
  3. squeeze
Verb
  • All responses have been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Liza B. Zimmerman, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This article has been edited and condensed for clarity and brevity.
    — Nick Romano, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of condense
Verb
  • These sprays shrink the blood vessels in your nasal passages.
    — Andrea Muraskin, NPR, 19 Apr. 2025
  • And this isn’t just a method to shrink your waistline: The pros at Buchinger say that fasting is able to improve your quality of life both now and in the future, acting as a safeguard against aging.
    — Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • For years, researchers have been experimenting with quantization techniques that squeeze their neural network weights into smaller memory envelopes.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Consumer confidence has taken a nosedive in 2025 as Americans grow more concerned that inflation could spike again, and tariffs will squeeze their wallets.
    — Austin Denean, Baltimore Sun, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of squeeze

Browse Nearby Words

comprehensiveness
compress
compressed
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Cite this Entry

“Compress.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compress. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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