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.

That could cause a significant contraction in consumption and small-business cash flow.

From Barron's

Tiny pressure sensors measured contraction strength and timing during natural labor.

From Science Daily

This is the lowest reading of the year and the 10th straight month of contraction in the factory sector.

From MarketWatch

A reading below 50 points to contraction in activity in the sector for the 10th month in a row.

From The Wall Street Journal

This is the tenth straight month of contraction in the factory sector.

From MarketWatch