condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s 

condensed; condensing

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact

especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

: to undergo condensation

condensable adjective

or less commonly condensible

kən-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl 

Synonyms

• compress
• constrict
• contract
• shrink

Choose the Right Synonym for condense

contract, shrink, condense, compress, constrict, deflate mean to decrease in bulk or volume.

contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.

caused her muscles to contract

shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

Examples of condense in a Sentence

The information is collected and then passed on to the CEO in condensed form.

The cooler temperatures cause the gas to condense into a liquid.

Moisture in the air condenses to form tiny drops of water.

Condense the milk by cooking it slowly.

Recent Examples on the Web

The following has been edited and condensed for clarity. —Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, IndieWire, 2 Dec. 2024

This causes air to rise and condense into clouds, which can result in narrow bands capable of producing intense snowfall at rates of 2 to 3 inches per hour or more. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 Nov. 2024

One of the primary challenges in adapting the book was condensing decades of context into the series’ timeframe. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 Nov. 2024

The strangest stretch of the Sacramento Kings’ condensed early-season schedule came a couple weeks ago. —Anthony Slater, The Athletic, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin condensare, from com- + densare to make dense, from densus dense

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Kids Definition

condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s 

condensed; condensing

1

: to make or become more close, compact, concise, or dense : concentrate

condense a paragraph into a sentence

2

: to change from a less dense to a denser form

steam condenses into water

Medical Definition

condense

verb

con·​dense kən-ˈden(t)s 

condensed; condensing

transitive verb

: to make denser or more compact

especially : to subject to condensation

intransitive verb

1

: to undergo condensation

2

: to become visibly dense or more compact

the chromosomes condense during prophase

condensable

-ˈden(t)-sə-bəl 

adjective