Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of curtail are abbreviate, abridge, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When is abbreviate a more appropriate choice than curtail?

The synonyms abbreviate and curtail are sometimes interchangeable, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

Where would abridge be a reasonable alternative to curtail?

The words abridge and curtail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 might retrench be a better fit than curtail?

The words retrench and curtail can be used in similar contexts, but retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When would shorten be a good substitute for curtail?

The meanings of shorten and curtail largely overlap; however, 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 curtail The coaching staff won’t ask Penix to curtail his aggressiveness. Josh Kendall, New York Times, 9 July 2025 Tensions ran high at the Pflugerville City Council meeting on Tuesday during a heated debate on whether to support legislation in the 89th Texas Legislative Session aimed at curtailing emergency service districts. Mason Rouser, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 China controls 90% of the world’s most powerful rare-earth magnets, and Ford Motor recently had to curtail some production due to a magnet shortage. Medora Lee, USA Today, 1 July 2025 Privatization would likely narrow the reach of the U.S.P.S., to say nothing of curtailing its affordability, especially for rural customers like those Grant served in Appalachia. Casey Cep, New Yorker, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for curtail
Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtail
shorten
Verb
  • Linking Brazil's Atlantic coast with the Pacific Ocean in Peru could shorten shipping times to Asian markets by as much as 12 days compared with current routes passing through the Panama Canal.
    Theo Burman John Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
  • For injuries, vibration therapy can shorten healing time.
    Kristin Auble, Vogue, 10 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Curtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtail. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on curtail

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