Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of shorten are abbreviate, abridge, curtail, and retrench. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

When might abbreviate be a better fit than shorten?

The words abbreviate and shorten are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

Where would abridge be a reasonable alternative to shorten?

While in some cases nearly identical to shorten, 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 is curtail a more appropriate choice than shorten?

Although the words curtail and shorten have much in common, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When would retrench be a good substitute for shorten?

The meanings of retrench and shorten largely overlap; however, retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

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 shorten Environmental advocates, meanwhile, said that shortening these reviews could have serious consequences. Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2025 Ali said Pakistan space bosses will compile a list of five to 10 candidates for the mission over the next month, for China to then shorten to two. Sophia Saifi, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 2025 Sitting for too long during the day can compromise your health and shorten your lifespan. Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 23 Apr. 2025 In this context, using AI for the relatively simple tasks of idea generation and creating content outlines can drastically shorten pre-production timelines. David Henkin, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shorten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shorten
Verb
  • Answer: Your withdrawals from retirement plans won’t reduce your Social Security directly.
    Liz Weston, Los Angeles Times, 3 May 2025
  • Infused with antioxidant-rich guava to shield strands from UV damage, with tamarind and safflower seed oil for deep hydration, and with avocado oil to strengthen and reduce frizz, the cream leaves hair soft, shiny, and protected.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 May 2025
Verb
  • While many of the Biden-era repayment and forgiveness options are being curtailed or eliminated, several programs remain in place, including Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025
  • So curtailing their work is another arrow aimed at the heart of democracy, as damaging as the attack on universities and the free press.
    Anita Chabria, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Another way of broadening the search is by truncating a term using an asterisk (*).
    Kristen Finch, JSTOR Daily, 21 Apr. 2025
  • My personal opinions on truncating an adventure into achievement alone probably aren’t really welcome in that commercial environment.
    Maya Silver, Outside Online, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Queen Elizabeth traditionally held receptions for the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association (abbreviated as the VC & GC Association) every four years, and the last such was held in May 2018.
    Janine Henni, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • No doubt abbreviating that will be appreciated by wine producers.
    Tom Mullen, Forbes.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Three firms have sued, arguing that the orders abridge constitutional rights to free speech, due process, and assistance of counsel.
    Henry Gass, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Establishing spheres of influence involves a dominant power abridging the sovereignty of geographically proximate states—as Trump is seeking to do with Canada, Greenland, and Mexico and as China is attempting with Taiwan.
    Monica Duffy Toft, Foreign Affairs, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Our tester said the formula defined and isolated her curls, cut back on frizz, and smoothly detangled her strands before heat styling.
    Malia Griggs, Glamour, 2 May 2025
  • Another positive side effect is that wearing a mask during allergy season dramatically cuts back on allergy symptoms in some patients.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 1 May 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shorten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shorten. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shorten

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!