Make it small as opposed to thick (8)
I believe the answer is:
condense
'make it small' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.
'opposed to thick' is the wordplay.
'opposed to' becomes 'con' (as in pros and cons).
'thick' becomes 'dense' (similar in meaning).
'con'+'dense'='CONDENSE'
'as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for condense that I've seen before include "cut down" , "precis" , "Abridge" , "Summarise" , "Change from vapour to liquid" .)