RETRENCHED Synonyms: 70 Similar and Opposite Words

retrenched

verb

past tense of retrench

as in reduced

formal to change the way things are done in order to spend less money When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

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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 retrenched Big producer-financiers like Participant Media, which was behind films like Spotlight and Roma, and Bron Studios (Judas and the Black Messiah, The Mule) have shuttered while traditional studios have retrenched themselves in their respective risk-averse fare. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026 Super Micro Computer is in growth mode at a time when some tech companies have retrenched in the Bay Area, while others are seeking larger new office spaces. — George Avalos, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026 But the business has retrenched recently. — Michael Butler, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrenched

Verb

Brent crude oil prices paused in early trading on Tuesday after gaining in the previous session following a drone attack on an oil pipeline pumping station in Russia that reduced flows from Kazakhstan.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026
Promise a rebate to every taxpayer when the size and cost of government is reduced.

— Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of reduced

Verb

Christian then lays out the finale’s mandates, which, just like last season, are dramatically slashed down from what Project Runway used to be.

— Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
The world's largest oil buyer has slashed its imports after the war broke out, tapping into its stockpiles, keeping a lid on global oil prices and safeguarding its economy.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of slashed

Verb

North Carolina Democrats in the state’s House of Representatives cut all ties with one of their candidates running for the state legislature after her past social media posts about violence against Republicans came to light.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 11 Sep. 2026
Krohn put in new sprinklers and fire-safety systems after his last renters moved out a few years ago, then cut a hole between the second and third floors, allowing more light and air to filter through what is now a unified owner’s duplex.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

Playing for Brian Daboll, Josh Allen slowly decreased his average time to throw and average air yards from 2018 to 2021.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
In Little Village, the number of vendors selling tamales and elotes has decreased, said Jennifer Aguilar, executive director of the business district’s chamber of commerce.

— Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of decreased

Verb

Oil prices pared some gains midday before resuming their climb in the afternoon.

— John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Lauren pared down the lavish setting from his fall ready-to-wear show of opulent rugs and antique chairs, keeping the setting white and minimalist with attendees sitting on ivory fabric benches and models emerging from behind white doors.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of pared

Verb

But in 2021, Premier League clubs lost access to that exception and this shrunk the market by 95 per cent.

— Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Hybrid work increased slightly while fully remote work shrank slightly; average remote hours slipped only from 27 to 26 hours over the measured period.

— Gleb Tsipursky, Washington Post, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of shrank

Verb

For too many years an international break has dropped at this point of September, freezing the Premier League just as narratives were being set and excitement was rising.

— Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Its crude imports dropped below 8 million barrels a day in May and June, falling for the first time since 2016, according to the EIA.

— Anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of dropped

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“Retrenched.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrenched. Accessed 18 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of retrenched

verb

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