English Reference

Word

compact

Phoneticscom·pact, stress on the first syllable

/ˈkɑmpækt/

Definitions

01small and space-efficient

B1 · Intermediate

adj. small and designed to fit into a little space.

adj. having all necessary features or parts fitting neatly into a small volume or space.

“The new laptop is very compact and fits easily into my backpack.”

“The architect designed a compact living area that managed to include a full kitchen and a workspace without feeling cramped.”

Usage

Usually precedes the noun it describes.

Synonyms

smallhandyspace-saving

Antonyms

02dense or packed

B2 · Upper Intermediate

adj. closely packed together or very solid.

adj. closely and firmly packed together; having high density.

“The snow was so compact that we could walk on top of it.”

“The geologist explained that the compact layers of sedimentary rock had been formed over millions of years of intense pressure.”

Antonyms

03to compress

B2 · Upper Intermediate

v. to press something together so that it becomes smaller or harder.

v. to exert pressure on a substance so that it becomes more dense or occupies less space.

“The machine compacts the waste into small cubes for recycling.”

“Before laying the foundation, the construction crew used heavy machinery to compact the soil and ensure a stable base for the building.”

Usage

This is a transitive verb requiring a direct object.

Antonyms

04a formal agreement

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Law Formal

n. a formal promise or agreement between two or more people or groups.

n. a formal agreement or contract between different parties, often used in political or legal contexts.

“The two nations signed a compact to protect the shared river.”

“The Mayflower Compact served as an early social contract, establishing a rudimentary form of self-government for the settlers in the new colony.”

Usage

Often used with the verb 'to sign' or 'to enter into'.

05makeup case

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun

n. a small case with a mirror and face powder that you carry in a bag.

n. a small, portable case containing a mirror and cosmetic powder, typically designed for use in a handbag.

“She took a small compact out of her purse to check her lipstick.”

“The vintage silver compact was an heirloom passed down from her grandmother, still containing the original glass mirror.”

Synonyms

casevanity case

Real-World Examples

“The compact, extremely distant red sources appear throughout the early universe, but their true nature has remained difficult to explain.”
ScienceDaily 17 Aug 2026
“Ultimately, Smith argues, this process could yield a technology so compact that it will essentially disappear from the map of the cosmos.”
The Guardian 11 Aug 2026

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Frequency
Common
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

QR code

englishreference.com/q/compact

English Reference