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

Real estate is the latest industry where investors are assessing whether AI will hollow out labor-intensive business models and compress margins at companies that sell expertise at high prices.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Software is now trading at its lowest multiple in over a decade, according to Bank of America, but that doesn’t mean it’s a buy; BofA sees potential for multiples to compress further.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

She needed a blanket, a compress, a sedative tablet.

From "Interpreter of Maladies" by Jhumpa Lahiri

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