General shrinking:
* Shrink: This is the most common and straightforward word.
* Diminish: This implies a gradual reduction in size, importance, or value.
* Contract: This suggests a tightening or compression, often in a controlled way.
* Reduce: This implies a deliberate act of making something smaller.
* Decrease: This emphasizes the change in quantity or size.
More specific shrinking:
* Dwindle: This suggests a gradual decrease to a small or insignificant amount.
* Wane: This implies a gradual decline in intensity or importance.
* Attenuate: This refers to a gradual decrease in thickness, intensity, or amplitude.
* Compress: This suggests a reduction in volume by applying pressure.
* Condense: This implies a decrease in volume by removing space between particles.
Figurative shrinking:
* Withers: This suggests a shrinking or decay due to age or neglect.
* Shrivel: This implies a shrinking and wrinkling, often due to dehydration.
* Fade: This implies a gradual loss of intensity or brightness.
The best word to use will depend on the specific context and the effect you want to create.