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 This interview has been edited and shortened for clarity. Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025 The first trey — from one of Tyrese Haliburton’s 11 assists — shortened the deficit to 12 with 4:45 remaining. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025 The league announced on May 15 a drastic move, shortening the schedule from three days to two while eliminating the men’s and women’s 5,000 meter run entirely. Cory Mull, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025 Usually, with the man away from his toboggan, the wolves shorten their circle, moving in closer to the dogs and crossing the trail out of the man’s sight. Ted Updike, Outdoor Life, 22 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for shorten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shorten
Verb
  • With Bayern aiming to reduce their wage bill, the Wirtz signing would have come at the cost of at least an extra €20million (£16.8m, $22.7m) per year, on top of a transfer fee somewhere between €100m and €150m.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 28 May 2025
  • Their original sentences, which were 12 years and seven years, respectively, were reduced in September 2023.
    Esther Kang, People.com, 28 May 2025
Verb
  • Under Trump, border encounters with migrants have dropped dramatically amid tougher enforcement and drastically curtailed asylum and refugee programs.
    Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 May 2025
  • Republicans also face unfavorable odds of curtailing a long-standing practice by nearly every state -- known as provider taxes -- through which states pay some of their share of Medicaid costs by taxing hospitals, nursing homes and other providers.
    Phil Galewitz, ABC News, 14 May 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
  • This match was great, though appropriately abbreviated by interference from the Judgment Day, and ultimately from El Grando Americano.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025
  • What Exactly Is the 'Color of the Year'? Trend-worthy, forward-thinking, beautiful, and livable—that’s how Kim describes the Color of the Year (often seen abbreviated as COTY).
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Old Globe San Diego, California Dates: June 8 to July 6, 2025, and July 27 to August 24, 2025 Modeled after the Old Globe in London, the Old Globe’s theater was built in San Diego’s Balboa Park in 1935 to present abridged Shakespeare during the California Pacific International Exposition.
    Ellen Carpenter, AFAR Media, 19 May 2025
  • 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
Verb
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) significantly cut back on training for emergency managers ahead of hurricane season, which begins on June 1.
    Charna Flam, People.com, 19 May 2025
  • But multiple National Weather Service offices have cut back on balloon launches this spring because of staffing shortages.
    Rebecca Hersher, NPR, 19 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Shorten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shorten. Accessed 30 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on shorten

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