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 The conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Eric Ryan, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 The 2024-25 schedule has been more condensed due to the two-week break in February for the 4 Nations Face-Off. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 2 Apr. 2025 This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and concision. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 31 Mar. 2025 This conversation has been condensed and edited for length and clarity. —Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 27 Mar. 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
  • The song is deliberately compressed to sound like a Phil Spector track, and a video John made for the Gilbert O’Sullivan Show in 1973 features a rare cameo from Bernie mimicking Ray Cooper on bells.
    — Shana Naomi Krochmal, Vulture, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Many of them focus on radically new technologies for heating and compressing plasmas, or fusing unusual combinations of isotopes.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of compress
Verb
  • Carving her own musical lane in an industry so determined to squeeze her into a box has been a challenge, but PinkPantheress isn’t one to let outside voices get to her.
    — Chris Malone Méndez, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Plus, this portable Bluetooth karaoke machine is small enough to squeeze into an Easter basket.
    — Jacquelyn Smith, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of squeeze
Verb
  • This has, among other losses, reduced Egyptian revenue from the Suez Canal by about eight hundred million dollars a month.
    — Bernard Avishai, New Yorker, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Cost Savings: Automation reduces labor costs and minimizes errors.
    — Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • Like Wells, many business owners are thinking of pulling back: perhaps shrink the store's selection so there's less to ship, freeze hiring, pause advertising or developing new products — stop growing and go into survival mode.
    — Alina Selyukh, NPR, 7 Apr. 2025
  • If the company stumbles—or worse, goes bust—your deferred cash could shrink or vanish.
    — Anatoly Iofe, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of shrink
Verb
  • The Mission – Sam Wilson tries to extract information out of Agent Taylor in the boxing ring.
    — John Archer, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But extracting resources out of Greenland poses many challenges.
    — Andrew R. Chow, Time, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of extract
Verb
  • Official vendors concentrate in Jackson Square, the Old U.S. Mint and along the riverfront.
    — Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 9 Apr. 2025
  • And still others are analyzing campaigns from the SKU level, concentrating on the items that will generate the most efficient returns. BRANDS + MESSAGING Ford Motor Company has always had an all-American vibe to its products and story.
    — Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of concentrate
Verb
  • Following the act of protest, the referee of the University of Maryland match -- which was not an NCAA tournament -- issued a black card to Turner, removing her from the competition.
    — Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Thanks to electric food-dehydrating machines, which help remove water from a variety of foods while maintaining their nutrient content, the process has become more convenient and efficient over time.
    — Jordan Liberty Phillips, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Apr. 2025
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 16 Apr. 2025.

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