as in abbreviation
Related Words
Relevance
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
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 shortening
Alexander Coolidge, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
If stiffness appears after walks, shortening outings can help keep the experience positive for both dog and owner.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
While shortening attention spans may be to blame for the shift in literature, Huehls argues that some writers are intentionally engaging with it.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortening
Noun
Another major product was its shortening brand Crisco.
—Alexander Coolidge, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
If stiffness appears after walks, shortening outings can help keep the experience positive for both dog and owner.
—Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
That would make for some four-game weeks; • Cutting down the number of teams that make the playoffs, shortening the postseason.
—John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
While shortening attention spans may be to blame for the shift in literature, Huehls argues that some writers are intentionally engaging with it.
—Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shortening
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shortening
Noun
-
This is the page in the racing program full of numbers, abbreviations and lines that looks intimidating at first.—
Neil Greenberg,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
-
Another downside is that many acronyms are not unique, so the same abbreviation can mean different things, even within a single field, said Kragh.—
Clarissa Brincat,
Big Think,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Unfortunately, facilities at public parks and libraries close at nightfall, greatly reducing the number of bathrooms available.—
Michael Perkins,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2026
-
In the surgical procedure, a v-shape of the lower lid is removed thereby shortening the area and reducing the defect.—
Dr. John De Jong,
Boston Herald,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
India is already rationing LNG supplies, according to a note S&P Global Energy shared with CNBC, which said power generation, refining, and petrochemicals are lower-priority sectors and therefore more exposed to curtailments.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2026
-
In exchange for the curtailment of some freedoms, the people submit to an authority, thereby gaining protection and security.—
George G. Szpiro,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But by the time Forrest reaches age 10, when dogs become eligible for Loyal’s pill, those defenses will more often misfire and fail to stop not just cancer but also other life-abbreviating ailments.—
Ross Andersen,
The Atlantic,
2 May 2026
-
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
-
Competitive bidding and eliminating wasteful contracting practices free up resources that can be redirected to frontline work.—
Teresa Liu,
Daily News,
4 May 2026
-
In 2022, Sachanowicz voted with a 5-3 board majority to support a plan for faculty contracting that did not include a tenure-track option.—
Scott Huddleston,
San Antonio Express-News,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
The longtime illusion of a mainstream industry involved truncating both ends of the bell curve, the radical and the mercenary.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
With additional contractions, the calf’s nose and head appear, followed by the rest of its body.—
Susan Koch,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
It also is used off-label for other kinds of ulcers and has several gynecological uses, including to induce contractions, to decrease blood loss after delivery and to treat miscarriages.—
Jen Christensen,
CNN Money,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
In a country that bills itself as a beacon of free speech, educational institutions especially should not be curtailing it.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
8 May 2026
-
The stock hit a new high before curtailing some of its gains.—
Jason Gewirtz,
CNBC,
6 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shortening.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shortening. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
