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.

This has caused the index’s forward price-to-earnings ratio to compress by more than 4%.

From MarketWatch • May 26, 2026

“Supersonic travel will compress the world in a way we haven’t seen since the Jet Age,” says NYU’s Karaburun.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

This provided direct evidence of costal aspiration breathing, where muscles between the ribs expand and compress the chest cavity to pull air into the lungs.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

It does not compress the model’s permanent weights.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

“Next you will tell me the house is cursed! Oh, my head! Bring me a cold compress, please, I am quite at my wit’s end—and some tea—and a chocolate, quick! Make it a whole box!”

From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood

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!