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 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

MS also now doesn’t expect cap rates to compress in the near term.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

It does not compress the model’s permanent weights.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

You cannot compress a barrel of oil with an algorithm.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

She used the salve as a paste to compress the wadded seaweed against the wound.

From "Son" by Lois Lowry

Vocabulary lists containing compress

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