compression

noun

kəm-ˈpre-shən How to pronounce compression (audio)
Definition of compressionnext
as in squeezing
the act or process of reducing the size or volume of something by or as if by pressing the compression of a long, complicated story into a two-hour movie is never easy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of compression Staying hydrated on long flights is also key since dehydration can lead to the development of blood clots, and compression socks can help keep blood from pooling in the lower limbs. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 In my experience, the instinct to slow down and get every word perfect is exactly backwards under this kind of compression. — Ronn Torossian, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026 Covey, the Eagles’ NFLPA players’ representative, said the union sent each player Firefly Recovery devices (a compression sock alternative worn at the knee) two weeks ahead of the London game to help support blood flow during travel. — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2026 These shoes also feature a wide toe box, which reduces toe compression and improves overall comfort. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for compression
Recent Examples of Synonyms for compression
  1. squeezing
  2. contraction
  3. condensation
  4. squeeze
  5. contracting
  6. constriction
Noun
  • So scientists use frequency-dependent squeezing to reduce quantum noise.
    — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 22 May 2026
  • Maenpaa added that the physical act of squeezing creates a sensory anchor.
    — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Definition of squeezing
Noun
  • Piezoelectric generators are particularly attractive for implants because the body is constantly moving, from the expansion and contraction of the lungs to the rhythmic beating of the heart.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The method, called contraction-aware reinforcement learning, is designed for robots with different forms of movement, including wheeled, flying, and six-legged platforms.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of contraction
Noun
  • Common warning signs include drafts, rising energy bills, difficult-to-open or lock windows, increased outside noise and frequent condensation.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
  • It was completely melted at this point, the plastic tubing slick with condensation.
    — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of condensation
Noun
  • That squeeze has been compounded as the cost of groceries, gas and health insurance have also soared.
    — Sam Gringlas, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For fried foods, a squeeze of lemon will provide a similar bright finish, though not malt vinegar’s toasty flavor.
    — Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • The lawmakers’ staff would also backchannel with the Navy after the bill was passed to make sure contracting offices knew to direct the money to Navatek, emails seen by ProPublica show — even though the contracts were in theory competitive.
    — Molly Redden, ProPublica, 20 Oct. 2026
  • By mapping these thousands of different features, all created from the moon cooling and contracting over time, the researchers are piecing together lunar history.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of contracting
Noun
  • Due to budget constrictions, the chef said his options are limited.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
  • These snakes kill their prey by constriction and then swallow it whole.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of constriction

Browse Nearby Words

compressing
compression
comprise
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Compression.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/compression. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on compression

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compression

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of milieu

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
different halloween monsters in silhouette
A Monstrous Vocab Quiz Words That Go Bump in the Night
See All