Synonyms for

Shrinking

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

Definition

to become smaller in size or amount

Synonyms & similar words

recoil cringe shrivelup wince stretch expand funk wither shrink quail squinch reduce flinch shrinkage contract shrivel reduce diminish contract narrow compress condense shorten decrease lessen downsize minimize abridge curtail shave trim dwindle ebb wane

Synonyms by register

Formal

diminishing decreasing reducing lessening

Informal

getting smaller going down shriveling

Literary

waning ebbing fading

Antonyms

expanding growing increasing enlarging developing amplifying swelling

Common collocations

  • shrinking violet
  • shrinking economy
  • shrinking population
  • shrinking market
  • shrinking profits
  • shrinking feeling
  • shrinking away

Word family

noun shrinkage
verb shrink
adjective shrinking

Usage note

Often used to describe a decrease in size, number, or value. 'Shrinking violet' is an idiom for a shy person.

Example sentences

  1. My sweater is shrinking in the wash.
  2. The ice cubes are shrinking in the sun.
  3. The balloon is shrinking as the air comes out.
  4. The cake is shrinking as it bakes.
  5. The company is shrinking its workforce.

Quotes

  • The world is shrinking as we see more of it. - Robert Black
  • “The gap between the haves and have-nots is shrinking.” - Bill Gates
  • “The world is shrinking because of technology.” - Daisy Ridley

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