Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of abbreviate are abridge, curtail, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

In what contexts can abridge take the place of abbreviate?

The synonyms abridge and abbreviate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would curtail be a good substitute for abbreviate?

While the synonyms curtail and abbreviate are close in meaning, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Where would retrench be a reasonable alternative to abbreviate?

In some situations, the words retrench and abbreviate are roughly equivalent. However, retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When might shorten be a better fit than abbreviate?

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

shorten a speech

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abbreviate The state and local tax deduction – often abbreviated as SALT – was a political flashpoint in the passage of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and is shaping up to be so again in 2025. Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 21 May 2025 Rather than abbreviate your medical diagnosis, omit it entirely. Judith Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 May 2025 This match was great, though appropriately abbreviated by interference from the Judgment Day, and ultimately from El Grando Americano. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 What Exactly Is the 'Color of the Year'? Trend-worthy, forward-thinking, beautiful, and livable—that’s how Kim describes the Color of the Year (often seen abbreviated as COTY). Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abbreviate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abbreviate
shorten
Verb
  • After the acquisition, Nordstrom pushed to expand the service yet to contain costs, instituted a $25 at-home try-on fee and shortened the return window, negatively impacting what male customers had come to expect.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Hot weather speeds up chemical reactions inside your battery, which shortens its lifespan.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Abbreviate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abbreviate. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abbreviate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!