SHORTEN Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

shorten

verb

ˈshȯr-tᵊn

Definition of shorten next

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

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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

Examples 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 In Tennessee, a pardon serves as a statement of forgiveness to someone who has completed their prison sentence and is no longer incarcerated, while commutation shortens a sentence but lets the conviction stand. —

Jonathan Mattise The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 21 Dec. 2024 Due to trending transfer policies of the elite sides — investing in young talent yet to reach their peak — the opportunity to make the move to a big club is shortening. —

Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 26 Dec. 2024 In 2023, 81% of U.S. retailers rolled out stricter return policies, including shortening the return window and charging a return or restocking fee, according to another report from Happy Returns. —

Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2024 Polis shortened prison sentences for four people and pardoned another 22 people of their crimes in his annual clemency action. —

Sam Tabachnik, The Denver Post, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shorten

Recent Examples of Synonyms for shorten

Verb

These tools allow professionals to focus on strategic decision-making, reducing time spent on repetitive tasks.

Carlos Netto, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025
Addiction Early studies suggest GLP-1 drugs may reduce cravings for alcohol, nicotine and opioids by modulating the brain’s reward pathways.

Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025