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contract

con·tract

contract

 
 
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (noun, verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
pronunciation: kan traekt
definition 1: an agreement, usu. legally binding, entered into by two or more parties that specifies what each party will do or not do.
Lawyers for the two companies are negotiating a contract between them.The contract states that the work must be completed within two years.The star of the show wants to change the terms of her contract with the studio.
synonyms:
agreement, compact
similar words:
alliance, arrangement, bargain, charter, concord, concordat, convention, covenant, deal, indenture, obligation, pact, settlement, treaty, understanding
definition 2: the document that represents such an agreement.
They signed the contract this morning.
synonyms:
deed
similar words:
agreement, concord, document, lease, papers, treaty
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part of speech: transitive verb
pronunciation: kn traekt
inflections: contracts, contracting, contracted
definition 1: to establish or enter into by formal agreement.
They contracted an agreement in which his company would pay them half the money now and half when the work was finished.
synonyms:
negotiate
similar words:
covenant, enter into, enter upon, establish, institute, undertake
definition 2: to make smaller by drawing together; tighten or shrink.
The earthworm will contract its body if you touch it.As you bend your knees, contract your stomach muscles.
synonyms:
constrict, shrink
antonyms:
dilate, expand
similar words:
compress, condense, diminish, flex, narrow, reduce, shorten, shrivel, squeeze, tighten
definition 3: to incur; acquire.
We have contracted an obligation, and we have to fulfill it.She contracted an infection while she was in the hospital.
synonyms:
acquire, incur
similar words:
assume, catch, get, take
definition 4: to shorten (a word or words) by combining, or by omitting certain letters and replacing them, usu. with an apostrophe.
We often contract "would not" to "wouldn't".
synonyms:
shorten
similar words:
abbreviate
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
pronunciation: kn traekt
definition 1: to make a formal agreement or contract.
She contracted for a large addition to her house.
similar words:
agree on, arrange, covenant, negotiate, pledge, promise
definition 2: to become smaller; shrink.
Metal contracts when it cools and expands when heated.
synonyms:
constrict, shrink, tighten
antonyms:
dilate, expand, swell
similar words:
condense, cramp, draw together, dwindle, flex, narrow, shorten
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derivations: contracted (adj.), contractible (adj.), contractibility (n.)
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  muscle, worm
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