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

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 curtail In addition, the therapist might recommend ways to curtail the AI from pursuing the out-of-sorts topics. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025 Israeli strikes severely weakened Hezbollah – culminating in the assassination of its revered leader, Hassan Nasrallah – and significantly curtailed the group’s domestic clout. Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 5 Sep. 2025 But the Supreme Court struck down that injunction in early July, and Goldman expected federal job cuts to more dramatically curtail the August payroll figures. Paul Davidson, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025 Texas regulators tout their efforts to curtail oil field emissions by requiring drillers to obtain permits to release or burn gas from their wells. ProPublica, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for curtail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtail
shorten
Verb
  • Several Fort Worth-area football teams had their games shortened, postponed or canceled Friday.
    Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This especially fresh status delivers a milder, smooth flavor but also shortens its shelf life.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtail. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on curtail

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