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

When our rights were being abridged? —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2025

The First Amendment, which prevents the government from making laws that abridge freedom of expression, has regularly been found to broadly protect free speech when challenges reach the Supreme Court. —Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 17 Sep. 2025

Mendez bypassed the plaintiffs’ contention that the measure unconstitutionally abridged free speech rights. —Dan Walters, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025

Fair Districts amendments voters added to the Florida Constitution in 2010 also said boundaries should not be drawn in a way that abridged the opportunity of minority voters to elect representatives. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025