reduce vs contract

reduce is not a noun while contract is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
reduce	No	No	Yes	No
contract	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, contract is a hyponym of reduce; that is, contract is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than reduce:

Other hyponyms of reduce include reduce, scale down, reef, miniaturise, miniaturize, depopulate, desolate, downsize.

As verbs, reduce and contract are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of reduce include abbreviate, abridge, cut, foreshorten, shorten.

reduce (noun)	contract (noun)
	a variety of bridge in which the bidder receives points toward game only for the number of tricks he bid
	a binding agreement between two or more persons that is enforceable by law
	(contract bridge) the highest bid becomes the contract setting the number of tricks that the bidder must make

reduce (verb)	contract (verb)
take off weight	be stricken by an illness, fall victim to an illness
cut down on; make a reduction in	make or become more narrow or restricted
narrow or limit	become smaller or draw together
cook until very little liquid is left	reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
to remove oxygen from a compound, or cause to react with hydrogen or form a hydride, or to undergo an increase in the number of electrons	compress or concentrate
make smaller	enter into a contractual arrangement
reduce in size; reduce physically	make smaller
make less complex	squeeze or press together
reduce in scope while retaining essential elements	engage by written agreement
lessen the strength or flavor of a solution or mixture
be cooked until very little liquid is left
be the essential element
destress and thus weaken a sound when pronouncing it
undergo meiosis
reposition (a broken bone after surgery) back to its normal site
lower in grade or rank or force somebody into an undignified situation
lessen and make more modest
simplify the form of a mathematical equation of expression by substituting one term for another
bring to humbler or weaker state or condition
put down by force or intimidation