shrink
verb (used without object)
to draw back, as in retreat or avoidance.
was shrinking
-
past progressiveof shrink.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
The gap was shrinking, but Hurley’s math seemed destined to fall just a few digits short.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 30, 2026
The variations followed a smooth, wave like rhythm, and the time between each bump was shrinking rapidly.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 11, 2026
Since 2003, the S&P 500’s average gain has been 16.9% during 12-month periods in which the Fed’s balance sheet was shrinking.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2025
Schumer’s topic on a recent Sunday was shrinking seats on commercial airliners.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 8, 2022
The family was shrinking, the old hierarchy compressing.
From "Educated" by Tara Westover
