RETRENCH Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'retrench' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retrench are abbreviate , abridge , curtail , and shorten . While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive. // declining business forced the company to retrench

Q: When is 'abbreviate' a more appropriate choice than 'retrench'?

While in some cases nearly identical to retrench , abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part. // using an abbreviated title

Q: When is it sensible to use 'abridge' instead of 'retrench'?

The words abridge and retrench can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can 'curtail' be used instead of 'retrench'?

In some situations, the words curtail and retrench are roughly equivalent. However, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy. // ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Q: When could 'shorten' be used to replace 'retrench'?

The words shorten and retrench are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration. // shorten a speech

retrench

verb

Definition of retrench next

as in to reduce

formal to change the way things are done in order to spend less money When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

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How is the word retrench different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of retrench are abbreviate, abridge, curtail, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When is abbreviate a more appropriate choice than retrench?

While in some cases nearly identical to retrench, abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

When is it sensible to use abridge instead of retrench?

The words abridge and retrench can be used in similar contexts, but 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 can curtail be used instead of retrench?

In some situations, the words curtail and retrench are roughly equivalent. However, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When could shorten be used to replace retrench?

The words shorten and retrench are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

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 retrench At the time, Iger said Disney had been pumping out too many shows and movies to compete with Netflix and needed to retrench. —

Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026 Networks and streamers, which have spent the past few years retrenching, may be regaining their appetite for risk. —

Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2026 Historically, economic downturns create chances to acquire assets, invest in innovation or expand while competitors retrench. —

Bryce Jenkins, Forbes.com, 19 Mar. 2026 General manager Pat Verbeek is keeping things tight to the vest but the Ducks, after years of retrenching into a painful rebuild and totally reshaping the club, are now in a position to add talent at the deadline instead of selling. —

Eric Stephens, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for retrench

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrench

Verb

Derived from a Central African shrub, the drug's ability to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings were uncovered by accident, when Howard Lotsof, a 19-year old addicted to heroin, tried ibogaine out of curiosity in 1962.

— Gavin Escott, USA Today, 6 July 2026
Displaying tactical discipline and superior talent, the English national team defeated Mexico 3-2 with a lineup reduced to 10 men on Sunday night.

— Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026

Definition of reduce

Verb

The lineup already was revving, as Rushing homered in the second inning while Sasaki was still in the game, and both Kyle Tucker and Muncy drove in runs off starter Randy Vasquez in the third, cutting the deficit to two.

— Liana Handler Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Potential applications beyond wind energy The researchers believe the manufacturing approach could cut production costs for small wind turbines and help more people use lightweight renewable energy technology.

— Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026

Definition of cut

Verb

The billionaire was an early ally and donor to the president, but left acrimoniously after a four-month stint as a special government employee running the contentious budget-slashing effort known as DOGE.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 29 June 2026
Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry has vowed to slash his team’s exorbitant payroll to get below the luxury tax threshold.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026

Definition of slash

Verb

Men’s fashion was generally pared back and models sporting it often had natural-looking hair and makeup at the recent Paris catwalk displays for spring 2027.

— Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 30 June 2026
With the market suddenly awash with oil, price estimates are being pared across the board.

— Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of pare

Verb

The reason is that the administration has shrunk the requirements for reports of immunization from states, changing the reports from mandated to voluntary.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Just verify messages directly, use a password manager, turn on account alerts and shrink the personal data brokers keep on you.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of shrink

Verb

Trump has tried to curtail mail-in voting by arguing the ballots easily corruptible, despite casting a ballot by mail himself in March.

— Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 29 June 2026
His playing time has been curtailed as a result, though the backstop has still performed well defensively.

— Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 28 June 2026

Definition of curtail

Verb

That process would usually be more truncated, with allocations occurring after the official pricing is decided, closer to the market open.

— Ari Levy,Leslie Picker, CNBC, 9 June 2026
Those who show up late or not at all get removal orders, further truncating the already limited due process available to immigrants.

— Brittney Melton, NPR, 26 May 2026

Definition of truncate

Verb

Plus, new windows are more energy efficient than old ones, meaning a summer installation can decrease your energy bill now and when temperatures drop in the fall and winter.

— Faith Wakefield, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Doubles players fear for their tennis future after being told by the ATP Tour that prize money and tournament sizes will decrease significantly starting in 2028.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 July 2026