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.

The private gauge showed that new export orders slipped back into contraction last month after strong growth in February, and employment levels shrank again as service providers continued to adjust staffing to control costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

While Huawei regained its position as the top seller of smartphones in China last year, the overall domestic market shrank in 2025, according to the US-based International Data Corporation.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

Industrial output fell 2.1% month-on-month in February, while the unemployment rate shrank to 2.6% from 2.7%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The data also show New York City shrank for the first time in three years, though the much larger metro area grew.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

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

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker