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

Throughout the war that began ⁠with the full-scale Russian invasion whose fourth anniversary falls on Tuesday, Ukraine has allowed its territory to be used for Russian energy exports to Europe, which have been sharply curtailed but not halted. —CNN Money, 21 Feb. 2026

The ballot measure marks a continuation of Republican attempts to curtail the initiative process. —Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 20 Feb. 2026

Advertisement The court's decision not only curtails a policy Trump has repeatedly credited with strengthening American leverage abroad, but also carries major financial and legal consequences. —Nik Popli, Time, 20 Feb. 2026

These moves to various bureaus and departments reflected attempts to curtail corruption, reduce the influence of the prohibitionists on staffing, and increase effectiveness. —Richard F. Hamm, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2026