Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Demand was shrinking, there was negative momentum in valuation metrics and stablecoin liquidity was contracting.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 16, 2026

“Literally, I was contracting my chest, because that’s the struggle for her. ‘How am I going to talk to this woman?’

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2024

Federal Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez said Friday that all commercial airlines have added more flights from Yellowknife, and that the government was contracting private aircraft to supplement military flights.

From Washington Times • Aug. 18, 2023

The ISM said 73% of manufacturing gross domestic product was contracting, up from 70% in March.

From Reuters • May 1, 2023

She was contracting her features in what she thought was a majestic frown, and the squirrel dæmon ran up her arm and stood on her shoulder in triumph.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman