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

Israel is considering taking military action against Iran — most likely without U.S. support — in the coming days, even as President Donald Trump is in advanced discussions with Tehran about a diplomatic deal to curtail its nuclear program, according to five people with knowledge of the situation. —Courtney Kube, NBC news, 12 June 2025

Developing a strategy that curtails reckless, dangerous riding while protecting the rights of legitimate e-bike users has been challenging, according to experts in the cycling community. —Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 12 June 2025

This investment is paying off: the Trump administration is aggressively advancing fossil fuel extraction, curtailing clean energy production, halting the collection of environmental data, opening new federal lands for oil and gas drilling, and dismantling climate regulations. —Michael L. Ross, Foreign Affairs, 12 June 2025

When the Taliban returned to power, her life became increasingly dangerous, particularly as women's rights became curtailed. —Monika Evstatieva, NPR, 12 June 2025