compress
17 synonyms and 6 antonyms for compress, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To squeeze or press something into a smaller space.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use compress
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
compress a file
cold compress
compress air
Etymology
From Latin compressus, past participle of comprimere, "to press together," from com- + premere ("to press").
Full origin of compress →Frequently asked questions
What does “compress” mean?
The word “compress” means to squeeze or press something into a smaller space. In plain terms, to squeeze into less space, or a cloth pad pressed on an injury.
How do you pronounce “compress”?
“Compress” is pronounced kuhm-PREHS (/kəmˈpɹɛs/ in IPA).
How do you use “compress” in a sentence?
Here is “compress” used in a sentence: “The vacuum bag compresses the clothes to save space.”
What is another word for “compress”?
Words with a similar meaning to “compress” include astringe, compact, telescope, compactify, condense and densitize.
What is the opposite of “compress”?
The opposite of “compress” — its antonyms — are decompact, decompactify, decompress, expand and uncompress.
What part of speech is “compress”?
Depending on how it is used, “compress” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “compress” come from?
The word “compress” comes from Latin. From Latin compressus, past participle of comprimere, "to press together," from com- + premere ("to press").
Is “compress” a common word?
“Compress” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
