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 Companies curtailed production and the US struggled with shortages. Bloomberg, Mercury News, 26 June 2025 Tentative conversations around collaboration were curtailed by Abloh’s untimely passing. Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 25 June 2025 And when the commercial harvest was closed, at least one federal official speculated that any further research might get curtailed, since those anglers, many of them rich and well connected, wouldn’t want scientists mucking around in what had become their territory. Boyce Upholt, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2025 The bill has been largely lauded by the House and Senate, though some lawmakers and condo owners have said there’s more work to be done to lower costs for residents and curtail poor management by condominium associations. Alexandra Glorioso, Miami Herald, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for curtail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtail
shorten
Verb
  • After the acquisition, Nordstrom pushed to expand the service yet to contain costs, instituted a $25 at-home try-on fee and shortened the return window, negatively impacting what male customers had come to expect.
    Jennifer J. Fondrevay, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • Hot weather speeds up chemical reactions inside your battery, which shortens its lifespan.
    Bethany Wales, Sacbee.com, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtail. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on curtail

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