Synonyms of shorten

shorten

verb

ˈshȯr-tᵊn 

as in to reduce

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 & Similar Words

• reduce
• curtail
• truncate
• abbreviate
• abridge
• cut back
• decrease
• elide
• dock
• trim
• compress
• summarize
• syncopate
• modify
• cut
• encapsulate
• recapitulate
• sum up
• cut down
• pare
• digest
• diminish
• shrink
• epitomize
• prune
• constrict
• lessen
• slash
• abstract
• retrench
• downsize
• taper
• dwindle
• moderate
• abate
• contract
• subtract (from)
• lower
• deflate
• de-escalate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extend
• prolong
• lengthen
• elongate
• expand
• increase
• enlarge
• add
• supplement
• maximize
• augment
• protract
• raise
• amplify
• heighten
• boost
• escalate
• dilate
• inflate
• swell
• blow up
• aggrandize
• pump up
• balloon
• distend

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

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