contraction

[kuhn-trak-shuhn] / kənˈtræk ʃən /

NOUN

drawing in; shortening

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decrease deflation recession reduction shrinkage

STRONG

abbreviation abridgment compression condensation condensing confinement constriction curtailment diminution dwindling elision evaporation lessening narrowing omission receding reducing shrinking tightening withdrawal

WEAK

abbreviating abridging confining curtailing cutting down decreasing deflating diminishing drawing together evaporating lopping omitting shrivelling tensing withdrawing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

enlargement increase

STRONG

expansion opening

WEAK

amplification dilation extension lengthening spread stretch

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.

Readings above 50 indicate expansion in the economy, while less than 50 indicates contraction.

From Barron's • May 24, 2026

In this view, the Big Bang evolved from conditions in a preceding contraction.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

But job growth -- often used as a proxy for economic activity -- has see-sawed between expansion and contraction from month to month.

From Barron's • May 22, 2026

A reading below 50.0 points to a contraction, while a reading above that threshold points to an increase in activity.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The labor pains rolled faster and stronger with each contraction.

From "Copper Sun" by Sharon M. Draper

Vocabulary lists containing contraction

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