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Showing results for contraction. Search instead for contractio.
Definitions

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.

The private gauge showed that new export orders slipped back into contraction last month after strong growth in February, and employment levels shrank again as service providers continued to adjust staffing to control costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

It takes a lot to push a large, diversified economy into a period of outright contraction that spreads across sectors and involves net employment losses.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

An economic contraction is lousy for investors in almost any stock, but particularly small-caps.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

Jean says growth in 1Q is set to rebound after a contraction in the previous quarter.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

He smiled, but it was merely a muscle contraction.

From "The City Beautiful" by Aden Polydoros

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.