Synonyms for

Shrink

Verb / ʃrɪŋk / Another word for shrink — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to become smaller in size, amount, or value

Synonyms & similar words

headshrinker cringe psychiatrist contract stretch expand flinch reduce squinch quail wither shrivelup wince recoil funk shrivel condense contract reduce decrease diminish lessen minimize narrow shorten shrivel wane wither compress constrict deflate downsize dwindle lower subside truncate

Synonyms by register

Formal

diminish decrease lessen reduce

Informal

get smaller go down scale back cut back

Literary

wane recede contract

Antonyms

expand enlarge grow increase stretch swell thicken

Common collocations

  • shrink from
  • shrink back
  • shrink in size
  • shrink in fear
  • shrink wrap
  • shrink down
  • shrink away

Word family

noun shrinkage
verb shrink
adjective shrunken

Usage note

As a noun, 'shrink' is an informal term for a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Be mindful of the context to avoid confusion.

Example sentences

  1. The sweater will shrink if you wash it in hot water.
  2. The apple shrunk as it dried out.
  3. If you leave the balloon in the sun, it will shrink.
  4. The company had to shrink its workforce due to budget cuts.
  5. The population of the town began to shrink after the factory closed.

Quotes

  • The world is shrinking as technology advances and communication increases.
  • As we grow older, our dreams shrink and our reality expands.
  • We must not allow our fears to shrink our vision of what is possible.

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