abridge

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

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 abridge By one estimate, The Witcher has lost nearly half its viewers since season one, and Hissrich’s seven-season plan has been abridged to five. Scott Meslow, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2025 In its response, Meta noted that the First Amendment prohibited the government — not a private party — from abridging speech. Ted Johnson, Deadline, 29 Jan. 2025 Many have abridged it and updated it and riffed on it over the decades. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 20 Dec. 2024 Was this omission just a classic example of a movie needing to abridge itself? Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for abridge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abridge
Verb
  • Drake, a frequent collaborator, has so far scored 135 placements between Nos. 1 and 10 on the tally, which previously featured more than 10 spaces, but which was shortened several years ago.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Boelter is a married father of five but often stayed at Carlson’s home in North Minneapolis to shorten his commute from Green Isle, Minn., to work.
    Jim Mustian, Mercury News, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The beginning of a provision meant to curtail the Medicaid program helping immigrant seniors would start in October 2027, according to the county.
    A.D. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
  • Russia helped facilitate a previous deal to curtail Iran’s uranium program, which Trump pulled the United States out of in his first term.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 16 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Abridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abridge. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on abridge

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