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 On Monday, Attorney General Anthony Brown released a slew of new legal guidelines, many of them urging local law enforcement agencies to curtail cooperation with ICE officials. Rebecca Pryor, Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan. 2025 China has also amassed vast stockpiles with enough oil, food, minerals, and semiconductors to feed its economy at somewhat normal levels for months or even years, even if maritime trade were completely curtailed. Eyck Freymann, Foreign Affairs, 29 Jan. 2025 Another priority is rekindling IFFR Pro’s trademark conviviality that took a hit during the pandemic and was curtailed again in 2024 due to renovations to its main venue of the Doelen concert hall complex. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 28 Jan. 2025 Of course those plans depend in part on whether regulators allow or curtail the efforts. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for curtail 

Thesaurus Entries Near curtail

Cite this Entry

“Curtail.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/curtail. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on curtail

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