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

There is nothing that can be done to curtail this. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

If the Supreme Court hadn't acted access to mifepristone would have been significantly and indefinitely curtailed for the first time since it was first approved in 2000. —Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 16 May 2026

None of it, however, has seemed to curtail fan interest in the series. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026

Since then, there have been a plethora of speeding incidents involving Georgia football players that Smart has done his best to curtail. —Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026