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.

Contraction is a dirty word in the journalism industry, which generally believes having more outlets is better for the public interest.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

Contraction reduced the number of teams to 10.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 4, 2022

Contraction phases in which there is no economic growth for two consecutive quarters, called recessions, would bring business failures and higher unemployment.

From Textbooks • Jul. 28, 2021

Contraction of the external intercostal muscles causes which of the following to occur?

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Experiments about the Measure of the Expansion and the Contraction of Liquors by Cold.

From Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society - Vol 1 - 1666 Giving some Accompt of the present Undertakings, Studies, and Labours of the Ingenious in many considerable parts of the World by Oldenburg, Henry

Vocabulary lists containing contraction

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