compress

[kuhm-pres, kom-pres] / kəmˈprɛs, ˈkɒm prɛs /

VERB

compact, condense

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abbreviate constrict cram restrict shorten shrink squeeze wrap

STRONG

abridge abstract bind coagulate concentrate consolidate contract cramp crowd crush decrease dehydrate epitomize narrow pack press ram reduce shrivel squash stuff summarize syncopate telescope tighten wedge

WEAK

boil down densen densify force into space make brief press together

Antonyms

STRONGEST

amplify enlarge expand free grow increase lengthen let go open release

STRONG

add allow disperse extend loose loosen raise strengthen uncompress untie unwrinkle

WEAK

blow up fill stretch uncondense

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.

“Supersonic travel will compress the world in a way we haven’t seen since the Jet Age,” says NYU’s Karaburun.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

The theory is that when the bands compress or shrink toward the average, it means the yields are barely moving and a pronounced External link move in either direction is likely.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

This provided direct evidence of costal aspiration breathing, where muscles between the ribs expand and compress the chest cavity to pull air into the lungs.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

You cannot compress a barrel of oil with an algorithm.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Because you could die so quickly, each man carried at least one large compress bandage, usually in the helmet band for easy access.

From "The Things They Carried" by Tim O'Brien

Vocabulary lists containing compress

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