shrinking Meaning & Definition
What Does Shrinking Mean?
As a verb, shrinking means present participle and gerund of shrink. As an adjective, it means Shy and retiring. As a noun, it means The act of one who, or that which, shrinks; act of becoming smaller or moving timidly away.
Shrinking: Key Facts
| Part of speech | verb, adjective, noun |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | shrinkage, funk and shirk |
| Antonyms | unshrinking, enlarge and expand |
| Plural | shrinkings |
| Comparative / superlative | more shrinking, most shrinking |
Shrinking Definition (Verb)
- present participle and gerund of shrink
Shrinking as an Adjective
- Shy and retiring.
Shrinking as a Noun
- The act of one who, or that which, shrinks; act of becoming smaller or moving timidly away.
Verb
- To cause to become smaller.
The dryer shrank my sweater.
- To become smaller; to contract.
This garment will shrink when wet.
- To cower or flinch.
Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.
- To draw back; to withdraw.
- To withdraw or retire, as from danger.
- To move back or away, especially because of fear or disgust.
Synonyms of Shrinking
Shrinking synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Shrinking
Shrinking in a Sentence
The dryer shrank my sweater.
This garment will shrink when wet.
Molly shrank away from the blows of the whip.
Word Forms & Grammar
shrinking
shrinking (comparative more shrinking, superlative most shrinking)
shrinking (plural shrinkings)
Words That Rhyme With Shrinking
Origin of Shrinking
From shrink + -ing.
Pronouncing Shrinking
The standard pronunciation of shrinking is //ˈʃɹɪŋkɪŋ//, spoken in 1 syllable.
Quick Answers About Shrinking
Is shrinking a verb or an adjective?
Shrinking is mainly used as a verb, but it can also be used as an adjective and a noun.
What is another word for shrinking?
Words with a similar meaning to shrinking include shrinkage, funk and shirk. See the full list of shrinking synonyms and antonyms.
What is the opposite of shrinking?
Antonyms of shrinking include unshrinking, enlarge, expand and grow.
What is the plural of shrinking?
The plural of shrinking is shrinkings.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of shrinking?
The comparative form is more shrinking and the superlative form is most shrinking.