condense

verb

kən-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 This conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. —Matt Villano, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025 This interview was edited and condensed for clarity. —Alix Strauss, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025 Our conversation has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. —Rachel Cohen, Vox, 18 Feb. 2025 The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 14 Feb. 2025 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
  • In court, his lawyers argued that officers compressed his chest with their body weight, leading him to asphyxiate.
    — Sharon Bernstein, Sacramento Bee, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Short bursts around the black hole are likely caused by disturbances in the disk—compressing plasma to produce a temporary flash of radiation.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of compress
Verb
  • Risks remain—policy shifts could stall, or DOGE’s efficiency drive might squeeze budgets—but the upside potential is tantalizing.
    — Jaime Catmull, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Goldman Sachs previously estimated that these tariffs could increase inflation by 1 percent while squeezing U.S. company profits and risking retaliatory measures from other nations.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • The venue renovations have significantly increased hospitality and premium offerings with new pubs, clubs, restaurants and seating, while reducing the number of suites from 70 to 40.
    — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the NWS, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.
    — Southern California Weather Report, Orange County Register, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • The team found that mature giant kelp beds shrank after the 2016 Soberanes fire in Monterey County, the 2017 Thomas fire in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, and the 2018 Woolsey fire in the Santa Monica Mountains.
    — Corinne Purtill, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2025
  • With interest rates remaining high, corporate margins are shrinking, forcing businesses to cut back.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • However this author has compiled roundups of rules from 2024 which Congress and the administration might also survey to extract those meeting the termination criteria of E.O. 14219.
    — Clyde Wayne Crews Jr., Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Curcumin: It's extracted from turmeric and purified to create a product containing only curcumin and very little of the other parts of turmeric.
    — Merve Ceylan, Health, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of extract
Verb
  • The strategic testing method makes tests run shorter while concentrating on the areas that need attention.
    — Sai Sandeep Ogety, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In cold weather, the fluid circulating through the geothermal system’s underground plastic pipes absorbs the relatively warm temperature of the earth and brings it back to home heat pumps, which concentrate the heat and send it into homes.
    — Nara Schoenberg, Chicago Tribune, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • The fossil fuel industry, which includes petrochemical manufacturers, donated heavily to Mr. Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to remove regulations that add to their costs.
    — Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The survey found that 57 percent are unaware that these screenings can prevent colorectal cancer by removing precancerous polyps.
    — Ross Rosenfeld, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Definition of remove

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“Condense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/condense. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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