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.

Employment in the services sector flipped into a contraction, according to the survey.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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

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

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

contraction

Example Sentences

Related Words