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.

Readings above 50 indicate expansion compared with the prior month, while those below 50 represent contraction.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

This relies on an International Monetary Fund estimate of a 6.1% Iranian economic contraction in 2026, which they call conservative.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Oil exporting nations in the Gulf are likely to see a sharp slowdown in economic growth or even a contraction this year, according to IMF forecasts.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Consumer cyclicals could see some modest improvement, from a contraction of 7.5% to a drop of just 1.6%.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

I could feel the expansion and contraction of his ribs with each breath.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson

Vocabulary lists containing contraction

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