contraction

[kuhn-trak-shuhn] / kənˈtræk ʃən /

NOUN

drawing in; shortening

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decrease deflation recession reduction shrinkage

STRONG

abbreviation abridgment compression condensation condensing confinement constriction curtailment diminution dwindling elision evaporation lessening narrowing omission receding reducing shrinking tightening withdrawal

WEAK

abbreviating abridging confining curtailing cutting down decreasing deflating diminishing drawing together evaporating lopping omitting shrivelling tensing withdrawing

Antonyms

STRONGEST

enlargement increase

STRONG

expansion opening

WEAK

amplification dilation extension lengthening spread stretch

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.

April's contraction was the first monthly fall since August last year, but had been forecast by economists after stronger than expected growth in March.

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Gregory said the contraction in April "showed the strong start to the year is now faltering".

From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026

Energy Information Administration expects demand to decline by 1.1 million barrels a day, while the International Energy Agency projects a contraction of 420,000 barrels a day this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Angrick expects government spending to help the economy avoid a sharp contraction, but significant growth is unlikely this year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Scientists wonder about what happens in an oscillating universe at the cusps, at the transition from contraction to expansion.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Vocabulary lists containing contraction

Language and Grammar - Introductory

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

That’s So Meta: Words About Words

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Language: Grammar and Punctuation Review

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!