shrank

[shrangk] / ʃræŋk /

VERB

become smaller

Synonyms

STRONGEST

decrease diminish drop off dwindle fall off lessen narrow reduce shorten shrivel wane weaken wither

STRONG

compress concentrate condense constrict contract deflate fail waste wrinkle

WEAK

fall short grow smaller waste away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen raise rise strengthen

STRONG

blow up loosen stretch

WEAK

face meet take on

VERB

recoil, shy away

Synonyms

STRONGEST

recede retreat

STRONG

blench boggle contract cower cringe crouch demur flinch huddle quail refuse retire scruple shudder slink wince withdraw

WEAK

draw back hang back

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance forge

STRONG

accept allow consent face meet stretch

WEAK

develop enlarge expand grow take on

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.

It was one of the rare occasions when employment in the U.S. shrank even though the economy was not in recession.

From MarketWatch • May 7, 2026

Even though Spirit shrank as it struggled in recent years, the airline was selling rock-bottom tickets right up until the end, such as a $25 one-way ticket from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 5, 2026

In 2025, the company’s total sales volume shrank 2.3% from the year before, with beer volume falling 2.6%.

From Barron's • May 4, 2026

Tlaib loosened the room immediately, teasing her teenage niece, calling her “the future” while the girl shrank in embarrassment.

From Slate • Apr. 29, 2026

Pax shrank back, but Gray advanced calmly, his body lowered enough to declare nonaggression.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker