Synonyms of retrench

retrench

verb

as in to reduce

formal to change the way things are done in order to spend less money

When the economy slowed, the company was forced to retrench.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• reduce
• cut
• slash
• pare
• shrink
• curtail
• truncate
• decrease
• shorten
• drop
• abridge
• downsize
• whittle
• lower
• diminish
• cut down
• prune
• trim
• abbreviate
• deplete
• contract
• cut back
• dock
• lessen
• dwindle
• constrict
• crop
• abate
• modify
• dent
• nick
• condense
• compress
• downscale
• ease
• clip
• knock down
• minimize
• deflate
• de-escalate
• modulate
• qualify
• moderate

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• extend
• prolong
• inflate
• swell
• dilate
• lengthen
• add (to)
• elongate
• blow up
• supplement
• complement
• enhance
• intensify
• distend
• protract
• increase
• heighten
• expand
• augment
• enlarge
• raise
• amplify
• escalate
• redouble
• boost
• aggrandize

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of retrench are abbreviate, abridge, curtail, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When is abbreviate a more appropriate choice than retrench?

While in some cases nearly identical to retrench, abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

When is it sensible to use abridge instead of retrench?

The words abridge and retrench can be used in similar contexts, 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 can curtail be used instead of retrench?

In some situations, the words curtail and retrench are roughly equivalent. However, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When could shorten be used to replace retrench?

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

shorten a speech

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of retrench

Other banks are retrenching, too, as customers rely increasingly heavily on digital banking. —David Staats, Idaho Statesman, 12 Mar. 2025

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