retrenchment

noun

Definition of retrenchmentnext
1
as in belt-tightening

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words
2
as in curtailment

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 retrenchment That history makes today’s retrenchment feel chillingly familiar. — Christina Ray Stanton, Time, 2 June 2026 The larger American entertainment industry, which has slashed diversity programs and is currently in a period of retrenchment due to economic headwinds, has also backslid in terms of representation in the director’s chair. — Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 14 May 2026 Like most of Hollywood, the animation industry has suffered from the effects of the 2023 dual writers’ and actors’ strikes, as well as the retrenchment in studio spending after the initial rush to invest in content for streaming services. — Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026 The York Avenue building itself reflects Sotheby’s long cycle of expansion and retrenchment. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrenchment
Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrenchment
  1. belt-tightening
  2. curtailment
  3. cutback
  4. downturn
  5. shortening
Noun
  • Here’s a quick summary of the belt-tightening taking place at each of these schools.
    — Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • The authors of the study blame backlash against DEI, industry contraction, and overall belt-tightening for the reversal of fortune.
    — Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 17 June 2026
Definition of belt-tightening
Noun
  • This can reduce the strain on the electric grid and help prevent the need for involuntary power curtailment or power brownouts, Holran notes.
    — Karla Walsh, Southern Living, 21 June 2026
  • Similar concerns were raised about the merger of the SAG and AFTRA health plans in 2017, which was followed by a significant curtailment in benefits a few years later.
    — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 5 June 2026
Definition of curtailment
Noun
  • The cutback kings Co-hosts Canada will still be riding high from picking up their first World Cup win after thumping Qatar 6-0 on matchday two.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 24 June 2026
  • The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Airforwarders Association (AfA) both sent letters to Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin describing the far-reaching consequences of such a cutback, including supply chain snafus, diminished cargo capacity and lost revenues.
    — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 3 June 2026
Definition of cutback
Noun
  • But Reddick shouldn’t yet be counted out because his recent downturn is more due to rotten luck than substandard performance.
    — Jess Bryant, New York Times, 4 July 2026
  • Europe often moves the other way, hoarding labor through downturns, and analysts count that instinct among the reasons its productivity has recently stalled.
    — Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Definition of downturn
Noun
  • Add shortening and continue cutting in until flour is pale yellow and resembles coarse cornmeal with butter bits no larger than small peas.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
  • Sky observers say the Fourth of July is when the shortening of days becomes noticeably more rapid.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
Definition of shortening

Browse Nearby Words

retrenching
retrenchment
retrenchments
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retrenchment.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/retrenchment. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on retrenchment

Nglish: Translation of retrenchment for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of xeric

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

One-Word Oxymorons: Bittersweet, Spendthrift, and More

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 10
See More

Popular

See More

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
banana-mirrored
Contradictory Words Quiz Pick out which word means one thing…and the opp...
See All