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

The latest labor turnover data released earlier this week showed that some employers are retrenching. —Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 2 May 2025

So, for example, the United States should retrench not because China’s rise is inevitable but because the decline of great-power war will not reverse. —Tanisha M. Fazal, Foreign Affairs, 24 Aug. 2021

Sports and league executives expressed confidence that scripted entertainment would feel more of the pain if companies retrench. —Alex Sherman, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025

Schools are hesitant to grow too fast for fear they’ll be forced to retrench once today’s crisis ebbs. —Maria Flynn, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 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