retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench How to pronounce retrench (audio)
retrenched; retrenching; retrenches

transitive verb

1
b
: to cut out : excise
2
: to pare away : remove

intransitive verb

: to make retrenchments
specifically : economize
Choose the Right Synonym for retrench

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent.

shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result.

the abridged version of the novel

retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

Examples of retrench in a Sentence

When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.
Recent Examples on the Web Venture capital funding has retrenched dramatically, with $39 billion invested in fintech globally in 2023, down from $75 billion in 2022 and a record $141 billion in 2021, according to CB Insights. Emily Mason, Forbes, 13 Feb. 2024 Before October 7, most in Washington’s foreign-policy establishment wanted to retrench in the region, seeing it as far less consequential than Europe or Asia. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 Consumer spending in December was also solid, showing that Americans aren’t quite retrenching just yet, according to the latest monthly PCE report released Friday. Bryan Mena, CNN, 28 Jan. 2024 That’s in part because no president this century has shown more commitment to the project of retrenching from America’s commitments overseas. Noah Rothman, National Review, 19 Jan. 2024 While his peers retrenched and cried poverty, Seidler spent gigantic amounts of money to attract superstar talent that never before would’ve imagined joining a team like the Padres. Jared Diamond, WSJ, 22 Nov. 2023 When institutions and individuals are threatened by new ideas, there is always a temptation to retrench. Peggy Fletcher Stack, The Salt Lake Tribune, 3 Sep. 2023 Companies with in-house venture-capital arms such as French energy company Total are retrenching by selling assets after collapsing startup values led them to rethink how to invest. Rod James, WSJ, 21 Aug. 2023 One employee noted that morale was soaring internally after a year of layoffs and retrenching at the company. Mike Isaac, New York Times, 6 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'retrench.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrench was in 1587

Dictionary Entries Near retrench

Cite this Entry

“Retrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrench. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

retrench

verb
re·​trench ri-ˈtrench How to pronounce retrench (audio)
1
2
: to reduce expenses
retrenchment
-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on retrench

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