constrict

verb

kən-ˈstrikt How to pronounce constrict (audio)
Definition of constrictnext
1
as in to shrink
to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to compress
to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together constricted the opening with a clamp

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of constrict are compress, condense, contract, deflate, and shrink. While all these words mean "to decrease in bulk or volume," constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to constrict?

Although the words compress and constrict have much in common, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When is condense a more appropriate choice than constrict?

The words condense and constrict can be used in similar contexts, but condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When could contract be used to replace constrict?

In some situations, the words contract and constrict are roughly equivalent. However, 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 constrict?

The words deflate and constrict 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 might shrink be a better fit than constrict?

The meanings of shrink and constrict largely overlap; 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 constrict During the tussle, Ventura put the teen in a chokehold, constricting his breathing, police said. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025 Our heart rate increases, our respiratory rate increases, our blood vessels constrict. —Erin Brodwin, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 Cooling the eye area can help constrict blood vessels, reducing puffiness, dark circles, and inflammation while also easing eye strain. —Siena Gagliano, Allure, 13 Mar. 2025 The layoffs come amid a constricting marketplace that has put independent studios like Lionsgate in a tough spot. —Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for constrict
Recent Examples of Synonyms for constrict
  1. shrink
  2. compress
  3. condense
  4. squeeze
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 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
  • The following interview has been edited and condensed for length and clarity.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 8 Apr. 2025
  • This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.
    — Quispe López, Them., 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of condense
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

Browse Nearby Words

constraints
constrict
constricted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Constrict.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/constrict. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of constrict for Spanish Speakers

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