Thesaurus

retrench

Q: How is the word 'retrench' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retrench are abbreviate , abridge , curtail , and shorten . While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive. // declining business forced the company to retrench

Q: When is 'abbreviate' a more appropriate choice than 'retrench'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retrench , abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part. // using an abbreviated title

Q: When is it sensible to use 'abridge' instead of 'retrench'?

The words abridge and retrench can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: When can 'curtail' be used instead of 'retrench'?

In some situations, the words curtail and retrench are roughly equivalent. However, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy. // ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Q: When could 'shorten' be used to replace 'retrench'?

The words shorten and retrench are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration. // shorten a speech

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of retrench

formal to change the way things are done in order to spend less money

When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

Synonyms & Near Synonyms for retrench

deflate,
shrink

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms for retrench

redouble

Frequently Asked Questions About retrench

How is the word retrench different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retrench are abbreviate, abridge, curtail, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When is abbreviate a more appropriate choice than retrench?

While in some cases nearly identical to retrench, abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

When is it sensible to use abridge instead of retrench?

The words abridge and retrench can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can curtail be used instead of retrench?

In some situations, the words curtail and retrench are roughly equivalent. However, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain