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contract

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verb

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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
Monday’s announcement indicated that Holt had signed a new long-term contract to remain with the network, but as the leader of one program instead of two. Brian Stelter, CNN, 24 Feb. 2025 His companies Tesla and SpaceX have been awarded $18 billion in federal contracts over the last decade. Rachel Scott, ABC News, 24 Feb. 2025
Verb
In addition to a contracting economy over the last two years and concerns over migration, Germany confronts war on its doorstep—the largest since World War II. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 Humans can contract it if the virus gets into their eyes, nose or mouth. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contract
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contract
Noun
  • Families and others rallied again Saturday night in Tel Aviv to pressure Netanyahu's government for a deal to bring everyone else home.
    WAFAA SHURAFA, TIME, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Such a deal would reduce US dependency on China, and provide significant incentive for the United States to boost Ukrainian security, a US official familiar with negotiations told CNN.
    Nick Paton Walsh, CNN, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • As peace talks progress, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy are expected to sign an agreement that grants the U.S. access to Ukraine's critical minerals, a move that Trump believes would deter further Russian aggression by building an economic presence in the country.
    Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
  • The deal moves from a permit system and dock rental agreement that cost the city around $1 million per year to a fee and revenue sharing system projected to bring in six figures annually.
    Andrew King, Axios, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Joel Embiid is reportedly getting some opinions on what to do next with his knee, and Philly is using this opportunity to tank hard.
    Zach Harper, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Sign up here to get stories like this sent to your inbox.
    Philip Elliott, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Ethan Hawke, Linklater’s friend and frequent collaborator, somehow manages to shrink himself to fit the agitated, alcoholic, short and desperate Hart, now 47, discarded by his former creative partner and knowingly washed up.
    Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 18 Feb. 2025
  • With consumers’ homes as collateral, the company’s cards offer a lower interest rate than on normal, unsecured credit cards, while its data and tech shrink the normal HELOC approval time.
    Jeff Kauflin, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Researchers grew a synthetic diamond that’s harder than natural ones by heating and compressing graphite in such a way that the diamond is formed with a hexagonal lattice, rather than the cubic shape found in nature.
    Alex Knapp, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025
  • In addition to a side-access zipper, these packing cubes can be packed from the elastic top access opening and compressed with a strap that has an adjustable buckle.
    Mike Arnot, AFAR Media, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In Texas, for example, only police and firefighters can collectively bargain.
    Orlando Mayorquín, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
  • The Biden appointees to the board also announced a rule that toughened the requirement that employers bargain with unions, even without the union having to win an election.
    Chris Isidore, CNN, 15 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Zelenskyy has said Ukraine can't hold them back without U.S. aid or strong security guarantees.
    Joanna Kakissis, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025
  • If that guarantee goes away, the dividends might, too.
    Felix Salmon, Axios, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • In any case, the two countries’ relationship does not hinge only on normalization, the defense pact or Palestinian statehood, especially under Mr. Trump.
    Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 Feb. 2025
  • This pact, brokered with the help of Wasserman agents, is worth six figures.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 19 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contract.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contract. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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