as in abbreviation
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Dissimilar Words
as in reducing
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of shortening
Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
Experts have predicted that AI systems capable of autonomously improving themselves, otherwise known as recursive self-improvement, might vastly increase the speed at which AI development takes place, potentially shortening years of complex research into weeks or even days.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
How about shortening the season?
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortening
Noun
Using a pastry blender, cut in butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
—Holly Riordan, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
Experts have predicted that AI systems capable of autonomously improving themselves, otherwise known as recursive self-improvement, might vastly increase the speed at which AI development takes place, potentially shortening years of complex research into weeks or even days.
—Jared Perlo, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
The report also contained options for changing the ways the Department of Housing awards moratoriums, including shortening the window the state has to make a decision on applications.
—Ginny Monk, Hartford Courant, 24 Feb. 2026
How about shortening the season?
—Nick Canepa, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortening
Noun
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The episode arrives amid months of intense fan speculation about the future of the fantasy romance series, commonly known by its abbreviation, ACOTAR.—
Hanna Wickes,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Back then, the abbreviation PLG felt like a harbinger of gentrification that would protect my property value.—
Naomi Jackson,
Curbed,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Many gardeners embrace biodiversity in turf areas to support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife while reducing the inputs needed for lawn maintenance.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
7 Mar. 2026
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That means potentially shutting down or reducing ice time for some of its biggest stars who are playing through nagging injuries.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The management plan outlines when and how those curtailments occur.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Feb. 2026
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Its resurgence has raised concerns among minorities and women workers who fear a potential curtailment of women’s rights if conservative elements gain influence.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Edo also followed Prince William and Kate Middleton's lead with the sweet sign off for his latest social post by abbreviating the children's first names with their initials to send an online message.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Crosby criticized outsourcing, suggesting a key move for the city would be spending less on contracting.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
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The resolution is strongly worded but also filled with caveats — noting that the district will comply with contracting and procurement laws.—
Howard Blume,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
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That’s consistent with an overall contraction in the pool’s size during the past several decades.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
7 Mar. 2026
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By practicing on a model that copies heart circulation and contraction, doctors can improve their technique for complex valve repairs before surgery.—
Munis Raza,
Interesting Engineering,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Still, Republican lawmakers appear likely to vote down measures curtailing presidential war powers this week.—
Brendan Ruberry,
semafor.com,
3 Mar. 2026
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The most effective lifestyle adjustment is to limit consumption of red meat, followed by quitting tobacco use, managing your blood sugar, maintaining a healthy weight, curtailing alcohol use and staying physically active.—
Asuka Koda,
CNN Money,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Hassan’s team instead squeezed a photon’s intensity and demonstrated real-time control, fluctuating between intensity and phase-squeezing by adjusting the silica’s position relative to the beams.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Shortening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortening. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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