Synonyms of abridge

abridge

verb

ə-ˈbrij 

as in to shorten

to make less in extent or duration

the library's hours have been drastically abridged to cut costs

Synonyms & Similar Words

• shorten
• curtail
• truncate
• reduce
• abbreviate
• elide
• dock
• cut back
• summarize
• trim
• syncopate
• decrease
• modify
• recapitulate
• compress
• encapsulate
• constrict
• digest
• sum up
• pare
• abstract
• epitomize
• cut down
• diminish
• lessen
• cut
• retrench
• prune
• shrink
• abate
• contract
• slash
• taper
• moderate
• downsize
• subtract (from)
• dwindle
• deflate
• lower
• de-escalate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extend
• prolong
• lengthen
• expand
• elongate
• enlarge
• supplement
• increase
• add
• augment
• protract
• maximize
• amplify
• heighten
• dilate
• raise
• boost
• escalate
• inflate
• swell
• aggrandize
• blow up
• distend
• pump up
• balloon

Synonym Chooser

How is the word abridge different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abridge are abbreviate, curtail, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," 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

When might abbreviate be a better fit than abridge?

The words abbreviate and abridge can be used in similar contexts, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

When would curtail be a good substitute for abridge?

The meanings of curtail and abridge largely overlap; however, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When could retrench be used to replace abridge?

While in some cases nearly identical to abridge, retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When is it sensible to use shorten instead of abridge?

The words shorten and abridge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of abridge

Other law firms, such as Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, have challenged the administration’s orders and petitioned federal courts to bar enforcement of these orders that, in their view, are retaliatory in nature and abridge their right to free speech and engage freely in the practice of law. —Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

The Old Globe San Diego, California Dates: June 8 to July 6, 2025, and July 27 to August 24, 2025 Modeled after the Old Globe in London, the Old Globe’s theater was built in San Diego’s Balboa Park in 1935 to present abridged Shakespeare during the California Pacific International Exposition. —Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 19 May 2025

Note some answers have been abridged for space and clarity. —Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 May 2025

Three firms have sued, arguing that the orders abridge constitutional rights to free speech, due process, and assistance of counsel. —Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025