Antonym of EXPAND.

**The reasoning** An **antonym** is a word with the *opposite* meaning. "Expand" means to become larger, to spread out, to take up more space. Think of a balloon being blown up — it expands. The opposite? **Contract** — to become smaller, to shrink, to draw inward. When that same balloon deflates, it contracts. They're direct opposites in meaning. **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **A) Grow, B) Increase, D) Inflate** — These are all *synonyms* (similar meanings) of "expand," not antonyms! This is the classic trap: the question asks for opposite, but your brain might grab the first familiar word instead. All three mean getting bigger in different ways. **Quick takeaway** When you see "antonym," hunt for the *opposite direction* — if the word goes UP (expand), the answer goes DOWN (contract). Don't let synonyms sitting in the options fool you into forgetting what the question actually asked for!