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.

You cannot compress a barrel of oil with an algorithm.

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

Kedrosky argued that Nvidia’s gross margins, which stood at 73% in the most recent quarter, will by necessity have to compress, for two reasons.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Yossarian sprinkled this one with sulfanilamide too and continued unwinding the gauze around Snowden’s leg until the compress was secure.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller

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