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

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of retrench

If the United States retrenched, the world would surely see more such behavior, not less. —Jonathan B. Petkun, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 2024

The United States must maintain concerted pressure on Russia while also offering incentives for Moscow to retrench. —Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 18 Apr. 2024

Hamas would use the quieting of the fighting to retrench and rearm, extending the war instead of ending it. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 21 Feb. 2024

But other major tech players have retrenched amid industrywide layoffs. —Samantha Masunaga, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2024