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contract

/ˈkɑntɹækt/noun, verb2 syllables

Contract means: reduce in scope while retaining essential elements.

Synonyms for contract31

noun, as in (contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make

declaration

noun, as in a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks they bid

contract bridge

verb, as in reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

abridge, foreshorten, abbreviate, shorten, cut, reduce, edit, edit out

verb, as in squeeze or press together

compress, constrict, squeeze, compact, press

verb, as in engage by written agreement

sign, sign on, sign up

verb, as in be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness

take, get, catch

verb, as in compress or concentrate

condense, concentrate

verb, as in enter into a contractual arrangement

undertake

verb, as in become smaller or draw together

shrink

verb, as in make or become more narrow or restricted

narrow

also used for contract

pact, contract law, abate, decrease, lessen

Includes material from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Opposites of contract

expand

What does contract mean?12

verb

1

reduce in scope while retaining essential elements“The manuscript must be shortened”

2

squeeze or press together“she compressed her lips”

3

engage by written agreement“They signed two new pitchers for the next season”

4

be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness“He got AIDS”

5

compress or concentrate“Congress condensed the three-year plan into a six-month plan”

6

enter into a contractual arrangement

7

become smaller or draw together“The fabric shrank”

8

make or become more narrow or restricted“The selection was narrowed”

9

make smaller“The heat contracted the woollen garment”

noun

1

(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make

2

a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks they bid

3

a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law

Definitions from the Open English WordNet, CC BY 4.0.

Contract in a sentence

  • Instead of waiting for a contract, we can handle it over the phone.CK
  • After much effort, he ended up with a contract.CK
  • As agreed, please find enclosed the updated contract.sacredceltic
  • In order to avoid misunderstandings, they went through the contract again.CM
  • The contract, if you were forced to sign it, is invalid.CM
  • By signing a contract, you agree to certain terms and conditions.Source_VOA
  • Look over the contract well, before you sign it.unknown
  • You didn't read the contract carefully, did you?CK

Sentences from Tatoeba, CC BY 2.0 FR, credited to their authors.

Forms of contract

as a noun

plural
contracts

as a verb

past tense
contracted
present participle
contracting
third-person singular
contracts
past participle
contracted