retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench 

retrenched; retrenching; retrenches

transitive verb

1

a

: cut down, reduce

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

While larger firms retrench and valuations reset, the most promising early-stage managers are quietly backing category-defining companies of the future. —Dasha Shunina, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

There’s a growing sense both abroad and at home that the United States is retrenching. —Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2016

Wildflower opened its doors last fall with the industry emerging from the long tail of Hollywood strikes and shaken by a slowdown in television production as media companies retrenched. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 6 June 2025

But the company has since retrenched, recognizing the need to focus on creating high-quality originals that meet Disney’s once lofty standards. —Meg James, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 June 2025

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

Rhymes for retrench

• entrench
• workbench
• clench
• drench
• quench
• stench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• wrench

Kids Definition

retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench 

1

: lessen, reduce

2

: to reduce expenses

retrenchment

-mənt

noun