Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

shorten

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of shorten

to make less in extent or duration
  • We decided to shorten the distance we had to walk home by cutting across the neighbor's lawn.
  • If Grandma has to go shopping today, you'll need to shorten your visit.
Synonyms of shorten

abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut back, dock, elide, syncopate, truncate
Words Related to shorten

abstract, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, recapitulate, summarize, sum up

abate, compress, constrict, contract, cut, cut down, pare, prune, trim

decrease, de-escalate, deflate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, lower, moderate, modify, reduce, retrench, shrink, slash, subtract (from), taper
Near Antonyms of shorten

enlarge, expand, supplement

add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, balloon, boost, dilate, escalate, heighten, increase, maximize, pump up, raise

blow up, distend, inflate, swell
Antonyms of shorten

elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract

Synonym Discussion of shorten

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent. shorten implies reduction in length or duration.
    • shorten a speech
curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.
    • ceremonies curtailed because of rain
abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.
    • using an abbreviated title
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
retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.
    • declining business forced the company to retrench

Learn More about shorten

  1. See words that rhyme with shorten Dictionary: Definition of shorten Spanish Central: Translation of shorten Nglish: Translation of shorten for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shorten for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up shorten? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games