Contraction — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /kən-ˈtrak-shən/ con·trac·tion

Meaning & Definition of Contraction

Contraction (noun)

  1. the action or process of contracting, the state of being contracted
  2. the shortening and thickening of a functioning muscle or muscle fiber
  3. a reduction in business activity or growth

Contraction (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing

    "most substances undergo contraction when cooled"

    similar: compacting, compaction, compression, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, squeeze, squeezing, telescoping
    related: abbreviation, abridgment, curtailment, shortening, concentration, consolidation, simplification, streamlining, decreasing, diminishment, lessening
    opposite: decompression, expansion
    near: dilation, dispersion, dissipation, scattering, distension, inflation, swelling

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Contraction

The most common words with a similar meaning to Contraction:

compacting, compaction, compression, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, squeeze, squeezing, telescoping

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Contraction

Words with the opposite meaning of Contraction:

decompression, expansion

Related Words for Contraction

abbreviation, abridgment, curtailment, shortening, concentration, consolidation, simplification, streamlining, decreasing, diminishment, lessening

Near Antonyms of Contraction

dilation, dispersion, dissipation, scattering, distension, inflation, swelling

Word Forms of Contraction

Derived words: contractional (adjective), contractive (adjective), contractionary (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Contraction

Middle English contraccioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contractiun, borrowed from Latin contractiōn-, contractiō "drawing together, compression of language," from contrac-, variant stem of contrahere "to draw together, reduce in size" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contract:2

First known use: 15th century

Frequently Asked Questions about Contraction

What does "Contraction" mean?

"Contraction" means the action or process of contracting, the state of being contracted. As a noun, it is defined as: the action or process of contracting, the state of being contracted.

What is another word for "Contraction"?

Other words for "Contraction" include compacting, compaction, compression, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction and contracting. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Contraction" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Contraction"?

There are 22 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Contraction". Common alternatives include compacting, compaction, compression, condensation, condensing, constricting, constriction, contracting, squeeze and squeezing.

What is the opposite of "Contraction"?

Antonyms of "Contraction" include decompression and expansion. Near antonyms include dilation, dispersion, dissipation and scattering.

How do you use "Contraction" in a sentence?

Examples of "Contraction" in a sentence: "most substances undergo contraction when cooled".

Is "Contraction" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Contraction" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Contraction"?

"Contraction" is pronounced /kən-ˈtrak-shən/ and divided into syllables as con·trac·tion.

What is the origin of the word "Contraction"?

"Contraction" comes from Middle English contraccioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French contractiun, borrowed from Latin contractiōn-, contractiō "drawing together, compression of language," from contrac-, variant stem of contrahere "to draw together, reduce in size" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action contract:2. First known use: 15th century.