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

Their downbeat comments weighed on confidence and prompted businesses and consumers to further retrench. — ABC News, 23 June 2026

As European automakers retrench in the face of Chinese competition, Chinese firms are taking over the spare factory space as a part of a stealth strategy to conquer global markets. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 23 June 2026

There has been a lot of talk recently about Saudi Arabia retrenching from sports. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 May 2026

As the deadline approached, the organizers retrenched, calling for an initial group of 25 to 50 sculptures to be in place by July, with others added in future years, reports CNN, which was unable to find anyone who had been chosen for the garden. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 20 Apr. 2026

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