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 eurozone recorded an unexpected contraction in the first three months of 2026 due to a steep slump in Ireland's economic figures, according to revised data issued on Friday.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

In new forecasts due at its meeting next week, the ECB may pencil in a contraction in second-quarter activity too.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

The unusually steep downward revision was due to a sharper-than-estimated contraction in Ireland -- where economic activity fell 12.1 percent compared to an initial forecast of two percent.

From Barron's • Jun. 5, 2026

Although Ireland accounts for a small share of total eurozone output, the scale of the decline is likely to have pushed the eurozone as a whole into contraction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

Isn’t it time we admitted that the contraction has earned its place in the sun?

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner

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!