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 Santos will leave prison, provided he is not pardoned or his sentence is not shortened, in 2032. Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025 Tour de France organizers have shortened Stage 19 of the competition to avoid a herd of cows which have suffered an outbreak of disease. Ben Morse, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 Variations in the Earth's rotation are not uncommon: On July 9, for example, the Earth's quick spin shortened the day by nearly 1.4 milliseconds. Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 22 July 2025 Usually only minor pruning is needed to shorten out-of-bounds shoots and control growth. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shorten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shorten
Verb
  • The ban aims to improve academic achievement, reduce cyberbullying, and minimize classroom disruptions.
    Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • Failure to follow instructions could reduce the product's effectiveness, damage specific surfaces, and increase potential health risks to humans and pets.
    Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • In the challenge to a federal subsidy program for phone and internet service, for example, the court passed up a chance to further curtail the power of federal agencies.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • To curtail Hamas’ ability to purchase weapons and pay its fighters, Israel stopped allowing cash to enter Gaza at the start of the war.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • During the African leaders’ introductions, Trump asked the leaders speaking after Mauritania President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to truncate their remarks.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 9 July 2025
  • The company truncated the name to Max because Zaslav and other executives felt the need to create some distance from HBO’s signature shows to make room for the nonscripted fare of Discovery’s channels, including HGTV and Food Network.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Through two summer league games, with one of them abbreviated due to injury, Furphy is averaging 9.5 points per game on 50% shooting.
    Tony East, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Bennett is a popular gender-neutral first name and can be abbreviated to Benny or Ben.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Note some answers have been abridged for space and clarity.
    Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 May 2025
  • Other law firms, such as Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, have challenged the administration’s orders and petitioned federal courts to bar enforcement of these orders that, in their view, are retaliatory in nature and abridge their right to free speech and engage freely in the practice of law.
    Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Verb
  • Consumers especially have been cutting back on discretionary purchases, such as recreational services, travel and dining out.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • When at 5 feet podocarpus don’t seem to mind being cut back to the same height at each pruning.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shorten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shorten. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shorten

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