retrenchment

noun

re·​trench·​ment ri-ˈtrench-mənt How to pronounce retrenchment (audio)
Synonyms of retrenchmentnext
: reduction, curtailment
specifically : a cutting of expenses

Examples of retrenchment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For now, Galloway says, AI represents less of a threat to the assistant workforce than the general retrenchment and consolidation affecting the industry. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 As part of that retrenchment, several programs that had been expected to participate in the Thanksgiving week event are now unlikely to do so, sources told Sportico. Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 29 Mar. 2026 The more ornate tracks’ departure feels nearly as monumental—and often as successful—as Deafheaven’s shift to clean singing on Infinite Granite; the trad shoegaze feels like a retrenchment. Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 11 Mar. 2026 Douglass would not have been surprised by that cycle of progress and retrenchment. Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrenchment

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrenchment was circa 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Retrenchment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrenchment. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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