CONTRACT Synonyms: 150 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'contract' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of contract are compress , condense , constrict , deflate , and shrink . While all these words 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

Q: Where would 'compress' be a reasonable alternative to 'contract'?

In some situations, the words compress and contract are roughly equivalent. However, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance. // compressed cotton into bales

Q: When would 'condense' be a good substitute for 'contract'?

Although the words condense and contract have much in common, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content. // condense the essay into a paragraph

Q: When is it sensible to use 'constrict' instead of 'contract'?

The words constrict and contract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter. // the throat is constricted by a tight collar

Q: In what contexts can 'deflate' take the place of 'contract'?

While in some cases nearly identical to contract , deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas. // deflate the balloon

Q: When might 'shrink' be a better fit than 'contract'?

The synonyms shrink and contract are sometimes interchangeable, but shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions. // the sweater will shrink when washed

contract 1 of 2

noun

ˈkän-ˌtrakt

Definition of contract next

as in deal

a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation accused her of breaking their contract by not completing the decorating job on budget

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in agreement

an arrangement about action to be taken a contract outlining what needed to be done by each person

Synonyms & Similar Words

contract

2 of 2

verb

ˈkän-ˌtrakt

as in to get

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) before vaccines were invented, people lived in fear of contracting polio

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to shrink

to become smaller in size or volume through the drawing together of particles of matter metal contracts at low temperatures

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to compress

to reduce in size or volume by or as if by pressing parts or members together contract the calf muscles in your legs

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to bargain

to come to an arrangement as to a course of action the farmer contracted for delivery of the hay by the first of July

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contract different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of contract are compress, condense, constrict, deflate, and shrink. While all these words 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

Where would compress be a reasonable alternative to contract?

In some situations, the words compress and contract are roughly equivalent. However, compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.

compressed cotton into bales

When would condense be a good substitute for contract?

Although the words condense and contract have much in common, condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.

condense the essay into a paragraph

When is it sensible to use constrict instead of contract?

The words constrict and contract are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.

the throat is constricted by a tight collar

In what contexts can deflate take the place of contract?

While in some cases nearly identical to contract, deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.

deflate the balloon

When might shrink be a better fit than contract?

The synonyms shrink and contract are sometimes interchangeable, but shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.

the sweater will shrink when washed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of contract

Noun

The city’s contract with IMEA is due to expire in 2035. —

Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025 Second, check to see if you’re being offered to maximum amount allowed under your contract. —

Christopher Flavelle, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

Verb

Mercury’s wrinkle-like features across the left half of the image likely formed after those lava plains solidified and the planet’s interior cooled and contracted, according to an ESA statement. —

Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Jan. 2025 Some are contracted by insurance companies and other times are hired directly by affluent homeowners. —

Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 13 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contract

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract

Noun

Since that last deal was inked, WNBA coaching salaries have eclipsed $1 million for the first time.

— Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 17 Jan. 2025
Evercore is a midcap deal advisor that Morgan Stanley sees as a way to play the return of mergers and acquisitions.

— Kelly Evans, CNBC, 17 Jan. 2025