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.

China’s official manufacturing purchasing managers index rose to 50.4 this month from February’s 49.0, ending two straight months of contraction, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

From The Wall Street Journal

CVS Health plans to open about 60 stores in 2026, growing its footprint for the first time after years of contraction.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its closure has caused the price of oil to skyrocket and has raised concerns that a prolonged blockage could raise energy prices - and even lead to a severe contraction in the economies of many countries.

From BBC

ING economists expect the official manufacturing PMI to finally have returned to expansion territory in March after a long run of contraction.

From The Wall Street Journal

An economic contraction is lousy for investors in almost any stock, but particularly small-caps.

From The Wall Street Journal

contraction

Example Sentences

Related Words