Synonyms of abbreviate

abbreviate

verb

ə-ˈbrē-vē-ˌāt 

as in to shorten

to make less in extent or duration

had to abbreviate his vacation in France in order to travel to Oslo to receive the Nobel Prize

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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

Recent Examples of abbreviate

In every single scenario, participants rated the abbreviating sender as less sincere and far less worthy of a reply. —David Fang, The Conversation, 9 Apr. 2025

Even with his career being injury abbreviated, there are those to this day who would place him No. 1, ahead of Gretzky and Howe. —James Mirtle, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2025

In recent years, Apple has held Dub Dub, as it’s affectionately abbreviated, in the first or second week of June. —David Phelan, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025

Tren de Aragua, often abbreviated by U.S. officials as TdA, has expanded through the Western Hemisphere, according to the U.S. Treasury Department. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 21 Mar. 2025

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!