Definitions

shrank

[shrangk] / ʃræŋk /

VERB

become smaller

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decrease diminish drop off dwindle fall off lessen narrow reduce shorten shrivel wane weaken wither

STRONG

compress concentrate condense constrict contract deflate fail waste wrinkle

WEAK

fall short grow smaller waste away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen raise rise strengthen

STRONG

blow up loosen stretch

WEAK

face meet take on

VERB

recoil, shy away

Synonyms

STRONGEST

recede retreat

STRONG

blench boggle contract cower cringe crouch demur flinch huddle quail refuse retire scruple shudder slink wince withdraw

WEAK

draw back hang back

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance forge

STRONG

accept allow consent face meet stretch

WEAK

develop enlarge expand grow take on

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.

OTTAWA—Canada’s economy unexpectedly shrank for a second consecutive quarter with a dip in activity to start the year as exports faltered but imports rose and weakness in business and government investment balanced increased household spending.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

French GDP shrank 0.1 percent in the first quarter, official data showed Friday, a downward revision from previous estimates that analysts warn could herald a recession for the eurozone's second-biggest economy.

From Barron's • May 29, 2026

Ancient rivers crossed a greener environment, feeding shallow lakes that grew and shrank over time.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

The current marine heat wave technically began in May 2025, shrank as expected last fall, but then did not recede back from the coast and remained off Southern California, Leising said.

From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026

The boy put his hands over the stumps of his legs and shrank back close to the wall.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers