Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for contraction.
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.

CVS Health CVS -0.44%decrease; red down pointing triangle is planning to open about 60 stores in 2026, growing its footprint for the first time after years of contraction.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026

That’s down sharply from $86.8 billion a year ago, but certainly not a contraction.

From Barron's • Mar. 27, 2026

In France, the private sector registered its strongest contraction since October at 48.3 points.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

But Ackerman said the risks around data-center concentration and potential margin contraction “appear manageable.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 20, 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

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