retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench 

retrenched; retrenching; retrenches

transitive verb

1

a

: cut down, reduce

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

According to recent reports, Berkshire Hathaway is now sitting on a pile of $334 billion in cash as the company has retrenched from stocks over the past couple of years. —Kevin Williams, Quartz, 18 Mar. 2025

Lyft's early misfortune was partnering with AV companies that folded or retrenched, including Argo AI and Motional. —Joann Muller, Axios, 12 Feb. 2025

As the North Korean regime started to retrench after Kim Jong Un took the reins, the engagement tapered off. —Rodney W. Nichols, Foreign Affairs, 25 June 2015

Covid slammed production, followed by Hollywood strikes that continue to ripple and media companies and streamers retrenching amid industry shifts, high interest rates and inflation. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 27 Feb. 2025

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

Rhymes for retrench

• entrench
• workbench
• clench
• drench
• quench
• stench
• tench
• trench
• wench
• wrench

Kids Definition

retrench

verb

re·​trench ri-ˈtrench 

1

: lessen, reduce

2

: to reduce expenses

retrenchment

-mənt

noun