Synonyms of curtail

curtail

verb

(ˌ)kər-ˈtāl 

as in to shorten

to make less in extent or duration

curtailed the school day because of the stormy weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of curtail are abbreviate, abridge, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When is abbreviate a more appropriate choice than curtail?

The synonyms abbreviate and curtail are sometimes interchangeable, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

Where would abridge be a reasonable alternative to curtail?

The words abridge and curtail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 retrench be a better fit than curtail?

The words retrench and curtail can be used in similar contexts, but retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When would shorten be a good substitute for curtail?

The meanings of shorten and curtail largely overlap; however, shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of curtail

Tourists’ access has been curtailed in order to protect the engravings, and researchers believe that clearing the years of sediment that has settled in the caves may reveal more art. — News Desk, Artforum, 6 Nov. 2026

Her campaign focused on curtailing immigration, confronting China and cutting wasteful government spending. — Maham Javaid, NPR, 4 Nov. 2026

While homelessness dropped in 2024 and 2025, the effort to curtail the crisis suffered a setback in 2026 when the number of unsheltered residents increased. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 3 Nov. 2026

Gulf exporters kept their oil flowing despite the risks faced in Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, inventories were released, and some demand was curtailed, all of which combined to limit the oil price spike. — Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 2 Nov. 2026