1
as in to compress
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to flinch
to draw back in fear, pain, or disgust
shrinking back from the approaching flames
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to decrease
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
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Recent Examples of shrink
Marine iguanas, for example, reabsorb some of their bone material to shrink when their watery habitat gets warmer, while young salmon have been known to shrink at winter's onset.
—
Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
Yet cuts to the program proposed by the House — which would shrink the program’s funding by about $300 billion through 2034 — would put those benefits at risk.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 21 May 2025
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A human can’t shrink away from the threats of climate change.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2025
Though East Contra Costa has been the hub of refinery activities in Northern California, the number of jobs in the remaining refineries was limited, and had been shrinking in the past decade.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrink
Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 21 May 2025
Yet cuts to the program proposed by the House — which would shrink the program’s funding by about $300 billion through 2034 — would put those benefits at risk.
—Lorie Konish, CNBC, 21 May 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
Listen to this Article
A human can’t shrink away from the threats of climate change.
—Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 21 May 2025
Though East Contra Costa has been the hub of refinery activities in Northern California, the number of jobs in the remaining refineries was limited, and had been shrinking in the past decade.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shrink
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrink
Verb
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Eventually, they were so thoroughly compressed that nuclear fusion got going—and boom, the very first stars lit up the universe.—
Robin George Andrews,
Smithsonian Magazine,
30 May 2025
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Costello neatly compressed the clichés of political pop.—
Armond White,
National Review,
28 May 2025
Verb
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When Afrikaner apartheid was instituted in 1948, Washington didn’t flinch.—
Time,
Time,
22 May 2025
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Case in point: Deja’s partner Abby doesn’t flinch when Deja proposes shaving her eyebrows.—
Chris Feil,
Vulture,
16 May 2025
Verb
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Nord decreased our upload speeds by 38.37% and our latency by 29.26%.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
20 May 2025
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Although the unsheltered population in the city of L.A. decreased last year from 32,680 to 29,275, and is projected to decline again this year, residents and business owners continue to express frustration with the city’s handling of the homelessness crisis.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
20 May 2025
Verb
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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.—
Alyssa Goldberg,
USA Today,
24 May 2025
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This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
23 May 2025
Verb
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Goertzel winced, because the question is challenging.—
Daniel R. Depetris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
23 May 2025
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Not just my face but also the faces of all middle-aged women who foolishly smiled, laughed, winced, frowned or squinted between birth and the year 2025.—
Gwen Rockwood,
Arkansas Online,
22 May 2025
Verb
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But missing those goals doesn’t diminish the importance of potentially revising the target, for which the Paris Agreement includes a review mechanism, Stokes said.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
21 May 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Give ample space to large vehicles - Trucks or buses can create a water spray that diminishes visibility.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
21 May 2025
Verb
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In cold weather, lips can appear blue because capillaries constrict, blood loses oxygen and changes to a darker color.—
Scott Lafee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2025
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The researchers thought of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which causes blood vessels to constrict.—
Veronique Greenwood,
Quanta Magazine,
26 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Advertisement Advertisement Macron briefly recoils, turns his head, and then smiles and waves at the press.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
26 May 2025
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There’s no doubt that Trump and congressional Republicans recoil at the left-wing slant of PBS and NPR.—
Editorial,
Boston Herald,
24 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shrink.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrink. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.
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