as in afraid
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in revulsion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in diminishing
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in compressing
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter
the sweater will shrink a little when washed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in recoiling
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in decreasing
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually
his crush on her is likely to shrink after they start their new lives on different college campuses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 shrinking
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.
—Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Poor performance, shrinking market share, or stagnant growth are harder to conceal, especially in an economic climate supported by a strong stock market in 2023 and continued growth in 2024.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Slower growth in China and weaker stock markets in Europe played a role in shrinking the fortunes of hundreds of billionaires.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Technology miniaturisation is moving fast in the audio world as surface mount speakers and tiny microphones mean electronic devices are still shrinking as performance expands.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Starbucks With sales shrinking in its biggest markets, Starbucks poached Chipotle Mexican Grill star CEO Brian Niccol to turn around the coffee chain’s fortunes, replacing Laxman Narasimhan.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Verb
The pool of available CPAs has been shrinking as Baby Boomers and some Gen Xers retire.
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
Mature markets like California, Colorado, and Oregon are shrinking in sales and tax revenue.
—Andrew Deangelo, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024
While hot water can help break down oils and grease, cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps prevent shrinking or fading, which is important for preserving the longevity of your sheets.
—Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 23 Dec. 2024
Newsweek spoke to therapist and head of relationships at Paired, Aly Bullock, about why the issue is pressing for these generations, who may face shrinking social circles due to health challenges, retirement, or changes in family dynamics.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024
Poor performance, shrinking market share, or stagnant growth are harder to conceal, especially in an economic climate supported by a strong stock market in 2023 and continued growth in 2024.
—Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
Slower growth in China and weaker stock markets in Europe played a role in shrinking the fortunes of hundreds of billionaires.
—Julie Goldenberg, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024
Technology miniaturisation is moving fast in the audio world as surface mount speakers and tiny microphones mean electronic devices are still shrinking as performance expands.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Starbucks With sales shrinking in its biggest markets, Starbucks poached Chipotle Mexican Grill star CEO Brian Niccol to turn around the coffee chain’s fortunes, replacing Laxman Narasimhan.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 20 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrinking
Adjective
-
Give it up for the queen of not being afraid to reference or not reference (but mostly reference).—
Jason P. Frank,
Vulture,
18 Apr. 2025
-
If you’re seated at a gate where the next flight doesn’t leave for six hours, don’t be afraid to post up and get comfy.—
Louryn Strampe,
Wired News,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
When Joe Biden nominated Xavier Becerra to serve as the secretary of health and human services, Republicans responded with revulsion because of his far-left record, but also with some degree of confusion.—
John Gerardi,
National Review,
9 Apr. 2025
-
Over the last few weeks, the Europeans have gone from shock to bewilderment to revulsion.—
David Brooks,
The Mercury News,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Wu was seen as timid at the beginning of the migrant crisis, staying in the background while Healey seized a Roxbury community rec center as a migrant shelter.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
25 Mar. 2025
-
Of course, a lot of Republicans don’t feel that way because they’re being tricked into returning to a George W. Bush-era mindset where Democrats are weak and timid on the world stage while Republicans are tough and firm and willing to bomb the hell out of anyone who stands in their way.—
Connor Okeeffe,
Oc Register,
23 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Specifically, the recoil resulting from the merger of the two black holes 10 million years ago may explain aspects of Sgr A*'s motion seen in the present day.—
Ron Estes,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2025
-
The recoil is enough to knock a drone off course and may cause the operator to lose sight of the target.—
David Hambling,
Forbes,
11 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
The crossbody bag option, meanwhile, is less constricting and makes a stylish statement piece on top of any casual outfit.—
Clint Davis,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Dec. 2024
-
But his refusal to adhere to facts isn’t constricting.—
Stephanie Zacharek,
TIME,
25 Dec. 2024
Verb
-
But the same things that prevent parents from maintaining employment or housing — especially substance abuse and mental illness — often inhibit them from engaging in services, while also diminishing their ability to protect and care for their children.—
Emily Putnam-Hornstein and Naomi Schaefer Riley,
Twin Cities,
13 Apr. 2025
-
After his round, the Irishman did not tolerate the media diminishing his spot in the tournament.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
That takes some fortitude, when world trade is on the verge of collapse, consumers are frightened and businesses can’t plan anything.—
William Baldwin,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
-
Hearts Melt At Moment 'Shut Down' Foster Dog Decides To Trust New Family By Rachael O'Connor Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 Animal lovers' hearts have soared at the moment a frightened foster dog chose to trust the family in her new home.—
Newsweek Staff,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Three minors heard gunfire and believed they had been fired at, and were scared of being shot, wrote Sheriff’s Deputy Dave Walls.—
Kevin Fixler,
Idaho Statesman,
9 Apr. 2025
-
From an analytical perspective, many are going to be scared of the late breakout at a small school, which is a fair point.—
Steve Bradshaw,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrinking. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share