shorten

verb

ˈshȯr-tᵊn How to pronounce shorten (audio)
Definition of shortennext
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Santos will leave prison, provided he is not pardoned or his sentence is not shortened, in 2032. —Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2025 Tour de France organizers have shortened Stage 19 of the competition to avoid a herd of cows which have suffered an outbreak of disease. —Ben Morse, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 Variations in the Earth's rotation are not uncommon: On July 9, for example, the Earth's quick spin shortened the day by nearly 1.4 milliseconds. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 22 July 2025 Usually only minor pruning is needed to shorten out-of-bounds shoots and control growth. —Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for shorten
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shorten
  1. reduce
  2. curtail
  3. truncate
  4. abbreviate
  5. abridge
  6. cut back
Verb
  • Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.
    — KANSAS CITY STAR WEATHER BOT, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2025
  • Studies have shown that matcha can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
    — Michiko Tomioka, CNBC, 26 July 2025
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • In the challenge to a federal subsidy program for phone and internet service, for example, the court passed up a chance to further curtail the power of federal agencies.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 12 July 2025
  • To curtail Hamas’ ability to purchase weapons and pay its fighters, Israel stopped allowing cash to enter Gaza at the start of the war.
    — Wafaa Shurafa, Fortune, 11 July 2025
Definition of curtail
Verb
  • This year, the timeline has been truncated because of a pair of lawsuits brought by districts contesting the release of the 2023 and 2024 accountability scores.
    — Keri Heath, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
  • Another two days in 2025 are also expected to be uncharacteristically truncated – starting with Tuesday, July 22.
    — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Definition of truncate
Verb
  • Through two summer league games, with one of them abbreviated due to injury, Furphy is averaging 9.5 points per game on 50% shooting.
    — Tony East, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • Bennett is a popular gender-neutral first name and can be abbreviated to Benny or Ben.
    — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 9 July 2025
Definition of abbreviate
Verb
  • Note some answers have been abridged for space and clarity.
    — Scott Wartman, Cincinnati Enquirer, 3 May 2025
  • Other law firms, such as Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, have challenged the administration’s orders and petitioned federal courts to bar enforcement of these orders that, in their view, are retaliatory in nature and abridge their right to free speech and engage freely in the practice of law.
    — Blake D. Morant, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025
Definition of abridge
Verb
  • In their meetings, Callahan said the board also mentioned a desire to cut back on cyberbullying that might take place online during school.
    — Ruby Grisin, The Courier-Journal, 26 July 2025
  • Pregnant people should consider cutting back on caffeine.
    — Renée Onque, CNBC, 26 July 2025
Definition of cut back

Browse Nearby Words

shorted
shorten
shortened
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shorten.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shorten. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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