Synonyms for

Contracted

Verb / ˈkɑ:ntræktʌd / Another word for contracted — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Contracted means to make something smaller or shorter by drawing or squeezing it together.

Synonyms & similar words

condense abbreviate squeeze compress foreshorten compact press cut expanded contract undertake shorten get widen constrict stretch concentrate reduce sign shrink take expand narrow abridge shrank reduced compressed condensed shortened squeezed tightened narrowed curtailed diminished abridged limited restricted concentrated consolidated abbreviated contractual canceled terminated

Synonyms by register

Formal

shortened reduced diminished lessened

Informal

shrunk got smaller tightened up

Literary

abbreviated curtailed withered

Antonyms

expanded enlarged increased lengthened stretched widened grown

Common collocations

  • contracted muscles
  • contracted form
  • contracted disease
  • contracted debt
  • contracted marriage
  • contracted the habit

Word family

noun contraction
verb contract
adjective contracted

Usage note

Can refer to physical shrinking, becoming smaller, or acquiring a disease or habit. Be mindful of context to avoid ambiguity.

Compare "contracted" with another word →

Example sentences

  1. The balloon contracted when I let the air out.
  2. I contracted a cold from my friend.
  3. The company contracted with a new supplier.
  4. She contracted her lips in a frown.
  5. The disease can be contracted through contact with infected people.

Quotes

  • The heart, like the stomach, wants a varied diet. - Gustave Flaubert
  • I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught. - Winston Churchill
  • The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook. - William James

Try these popular words

the and that for you with was this are have not from

Practice

Play the Word Synonyms game · Choose level (start near 1)

Worksheets

Grade 4 · Grade 5 · Grade 6

Topics

Guides

Explore more words