contracted (B1)

verb

Pronunciation: /kənˈtræktɪd/

Definition

Made shorter or smaller by or as if by pulling or being pulled tight; reduced in size or duration.

Examples

• The pupils of his eyes contracted in the bright light.

• The company contracted its operations due to financial difficulties.

• The balloon contracted as the air inside cooled.

How to Use contracted

contracted by (prepositional phrase)

Reduced in size or scope by something. — "The fabric contracted by 10% after washing."

contracted into (prepositional phrase)

Shrunk or pulled into a smaller space or form. — "The metal contracted into a smaller shape when it cooled."

contract with (collocation)

To make a formal agreement with someone or a company. — "We contracted with a builder to renovate our house."

Synonyms of contracted

Words with a similar meaning to contracted:

• shrunk
• tightened
• reduced
• diminished

Antonyms of contracted

Words with the opposite meaning to contracted:

• expanded
• enlarged
• lengthened

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