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.

It does not compress the model’s permanent weights.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

You pay more, compress margins and pass much of the additional cost on to customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Increased scrutiny of stock-based compensation typically intensifies as multiples compress and market fears mount, Fish told MarketWatch via email.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 21, 2026

Liquefied natural gas, or LNG, depends heavily on Middle Eastern suppliers, who freeze and compress the gas and then ship it throughout the world.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

I took the compress from Jonas’s head and went to cool it in the snow.

From "Between Shades of Gray" by Ruta Sepetys

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!