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 of abbreviate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Royal Week is unusually abbreviated this year amid the general election in the U.K. on July 4, in which voters will hit the polls to elect new Members of Parliament in the House of Commons and potentially usher in a new prime minister. —

Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 3 July 2024 The main hormone involved in the stress response – cortisol in humans and corticosterone in rodents, both abbreviated to CORT – is primarily a metabolic hormone, meaning that increasing blood levels of these hormones during stressful conditions results in more energy mobilized from fat stores. —

Natalie C. Tronson, The Conversation, 24 June 2024 Look for rods marked with M for medium or MH for medium-heavy since some companies will abbreviate. —

Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 13 June 2024 Ivanti's Connect Secure, a VPN appliance often abbreviated as ICS, functions as a gatekeeper that allows authorized devices to connect. —

Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 5 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for abbreviate

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'abbreviate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.