Definitions

compress

[kuhm-pres, kom-pres] / kəmˈprɛs, ˈkɒm prɛs /

VERB

compact, condense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abbreviate constrict cram restrict shorten shrink squeeze wrap

STRONG

abridge abstract bind coagulate concentrate consolidate contract cramp crowd crush decrease dehydrate epitomize narrow pack press ram reduce shrivel squash stuff summarize syncopate telescope tighten wedge

WEAK

boil down densen densify force into space make brief press together

Antonyms

STRONGEST

amplify enlarge expand free grow increase lengthen let go open release

STRONG

add allow disperse extend loose loosen raise strengthen uncompress untie unwrinkle

WEAK

blow up fill stretch uncondense

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Compress Chicago down to one neighborhood and you might find the 49th Ward.

From New York Times • Apr. 2, 2023

Compress a handful of garden soil into a ball.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 11, 2023

In Columbia, the company is now leasing the Palmetto Compress, a former cotton warehouse, after creating 200 apartments for the local student population.

From New York Times • Jun. 6, 2017

Step six: Compress your body, and keep your weight centered over the middle of your board.

From Time Magazine Archive

Compress into one handsome face the conscious self-abasement, and the burning indignation of a hundred women, strong in passion and in pride; and there it hid itself with two white shuddering arms.

From Dombey and Son by Dickens, Charles

Vocabulary lists containing compress

100 Great Words from "Fahrenheit 451" -- Part I Vocabulary

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Vocabulary Video Contest (2013) - List 1

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The Thing About Jellyfish

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!