ABBREVIATE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abbreviate' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abbreviate are abridge , curtail , retrench , and shorten . While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part. // using an abbreviated title

Q: In what contexts can 'abridge' take the place of 'abbreviate'?

The synonyms abridge and abbreviate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

Q: When would 'curtail' be a good substitute for 'abbreviate'?

While the synonyms curtail and abbreviate are close in meaning, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy. // ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Q: Where would 'retrench' be a reasonable alternative to 'abbreviate'?

In some situations, the words retrench and abbreviate are roughly equivalent. However, retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive. // declining business forced the company to retrench

Q: When might 'shorten' be a better fit than 'abbreviate'?

The words shorten and abbreviate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration. // shorten a speech

abbreviate

verb

ə-ˈbrē-vē-ˌāt

Definition of abbreviate next

as in to shorten

to make less in extent or duration had to abbreviate his vacation in France in order to travel to Oslo to receive the Nobel Prize

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

Some common synonyms of abbreviate are abridge, curtail, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

In what contexts can abridge take the place of abbreviate?

The synonyms abridge and abbreviate are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 would curtail be a good substitute for abbreviate?

While the synonyms curtail and abbreviate are close in meaning, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Where would retrench be a reasonable alternative to abbreviate?

In some situations, the words retrench and abbreviate are roughly equivalent. However, retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When might shorten be a better fit than abbreviate?

The words shorten and abbreviate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration.

shorten a speech

Examples 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 abbreviate The big name in organic certifications, and organic cotton certification specifically is the Global Organic Textile Standard, generally abbreviated as GOTS. —

Scott Gilbertson, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024 In 2024, analysts project a roughly $700 million impact to earnings before interest and taxes, a measure of operating income commonly abbreviated as EBIT. —

Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2024 Though, as with numerous competitors’ apps, many of the data pages are abbreviated. —

PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024 Below, our Istanbul Airport food guide for the best places to eat at the new $12 billion hub (opened in 2018, it's often abbreviated as IST or IGA). —

Betsy Andrews, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abbreviate