retrenchment

noun

re·​trench·​ment ri-ˈtrench-mənt How to pronounce retrenchment (audio)
: reduction, curtailment
specifically : a cutting of expenses

Examples of retrenchment in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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In all, the moves represent a retrenchment from the U.S. role in spreading democracy beyond its borders. Christine Fernando, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2025 Because the first line of defense is often in the private sector — Microsoft was the first to find Salt Typhoon — the impact of this retrenchment may take months or years to understand. David E. Sanger, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025 While some countries, particularly in Europe, reaffirmed their commitments to the accord, the global momentum to cut emissions stalled in the face of U.S. retrenchment. Nik Popli, TIME, 22 Jan. 2025 In an age of globalisation (albeit one in apparent retrenchment), styles that once developed in isolation have now largely converged. James Horncastle, New York Times, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for retrenchment

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1600, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrenchment was circa 1600

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Cite this Entry

“Retrenchment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrenchment. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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