contract applies to a drawing together of surfaces or particles or a reduction of area or length.
caused her muscles to contract
shrink implies a contracting or a loss of material and stresses a falling short of original dimensions.
the sweater will shrink when washed
condense implies a reducing of something homogeneous to greater compactness without significant loss of content.
condense the essay into a paragraph
compress implies a pressing into a small compass and definite shape usually against resistance.
compressed cotton into bales
constrict implies a tightening that reduces diameter.
the throat is constricted by a tight collar
deflate implies a contracting by reducing the internal pressure of contained air or gas.
deflate the balloon
Example Sentences
The birthday balloons deflated after a few days. The harsh criticism left him utterly deflated. an insult that would deflate their egos He has worked to deflate popular myths about investing. Deflated prices mean that farmers are getting less for their products.
Recent Examples on the WebSheehan and his colleagues leverage their media savvy in traditional ways, such as the video of Hernandez’s apartment, and by deploying comedy to deflate the pomp and hypocrisy around the games. Lauren Lee White, The New Republic, 19 Aug. 2022 When the oven is too hot, the meringue will expand quickly and then deflate quickly upon cooling. Robin Miller, The Arizona Republic, 17 June 2022 After shrugging off Whyte’s attempt to confuse him by turning southpaw in the first round, Fury relied on his smarts, movement and activity to deflate the challenger as Whyte averaged less than five landed punches per round. Lance Pugmire, USA TODAY, 24 Apr. 2022 The chip world saw a rare nanometer showdown in 2015, which helped deflate the value of the number labels. Jiyoung Sohn, WSJ, 28 July 2022 Stir a dollop of whites into the yolks to lighten them, then carefully but thoroughly fold the yolk mixture into the whites, taking care not to deflate them. Carol Deptolla, Journal Sentinel, 27 July 2022 Police followed the car around Los Angeles before using spike strips to deflate the tires. Bradford Betz, Fox News, 31 July 2022 Knead only once or twice to fold in ingredients; be careful not to overmix and deflate the dough. Kim Sunée, Anchorage Daily News, 22 July 2022 Her Valkyrie, alas, receives less screen time than Jane, who’s given a crisis as well as special powers, a blond blowout and muscles that inflate and deflate like party balloons.New York Times, 7 July 2022 See More