Synonyms for

Contracting

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

Definition

Contracting means to become smaller or tighter. It can also mean to make an agreement with someone.

Synonyms & similar words

abridge stretch cut concentrate sign catching abbreviate contract press foreshorten shrink signup narrow compress compact signon expand reduce get undertake take constrict condense squeeze shorten shrinking reducing compressing tightening constricting narrowing squeezing concentrating compacting simplifying streamlining abbreviating shortening cutting condensing abridging summarizing synopsizing homogenizing consolidating

Synonyms by register

Formal

shrinking diminishing reducing lessening

Informal

tightening pinching squeezing

Literary

withdrawing receding

Antonyms

expanding enlarging growing increasing extending broadening

Common collocations

  • contracting muscles
  • contracting economy
  • contracting disease
  • contracting parties
  • contracting out
  • contracting business

Word family

noun contraction
verb contract
adjective contracted
adverb contractedly

Usage note

Primarily used to describe physical reduction in size or scope, such as muscles or an economy. Can also refer to the act of entering into a formal agreement.

Example sentences

  1. The balloon is contracting as the air comes out.
  2. The company is contracting their workforce due to the financial crisis.
  3. We need to hire a contracting company to build our new house.
  4. The muscle is contracting when we lift the weight.
  5. The disease is contracting rapidly and spreading to other countries.

Quotes

  • 'Few contracting parties,' wrote the U.S. Supreme Court in 1983, 'would willingly sign a document whose meaning could change as readily as does that of the standard form of the American Institute of Architects.' - Michael Kinsley
  • 'Contracting tuberculosis gave me a chance to start over. Before I was diagnosed, I had been a successful lawyer and a judge... I had to learn to be dependent on others for everything, and that has taught me a lot about the human spirit.' - Eddie Canales
  • 'The contracting parties have agreed that silent films shall remain silent.' - George Bernard Shaw

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