retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench How to pronounce retrench (audio)
retrenched; retrenching; retrenches

transitive verb

1
b
: to cut out : excise
2
: to pare away : remove

intransitive verb

: to make retrenchments
specifically : economize
Choose the Right Synonym for retrench

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent.

shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

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

retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

Examples of retrench in a Sentence

When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sports and league executives expressed confidence that scripted entertainment would feel more of the pain if companies retrench. Alex Sherman, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 Schools are hesitant to grow too fast for fear they’ll be forced to retrench once today’s crisis ebbs. Maria Flynn, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 But any business that has benefited from supply chains that are efficient and cost effective (which is to say most of them) will now have to retrench in order to reduce its exposure to trade policy and geopolitical risks. Eswar Prasad, Foreign Affairs, 3 Apr. 2025 Recent data shows that U.S. banks are indeed retrenching. Chris Scharman, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for retrench

Word History

Etymology

obsolete French retrencher (now retrancher), from Middle French retrenchier, from re- + trenchier to cut

First Known Use

1587, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of retrench was in 1587

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Retrench.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retrench. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

retrench

verb
re·​trench ri-ˈtrench How to pronounce retrench (audio)
1
2
: to reduce expenses
retrenchment
-mənt
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on retrench

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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