RETRENCH Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

retrench

verb

Definition of retrench next

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

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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

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 retrench Bitcoin was within striking distance of $100,000 on Friday but retrenched over the weekend. —

Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 25 Nov. 2024 Some expected it, especially after many US companies retrenched on DEI efforts amid pushback from conservative activists. —

Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune Europe, 18 Oct. 2024 A number of retail chains that have been trying to move into primary care have been retrenching or withdrawing altogether. —

Timothy Hoff, Harvard Business Review, 10 Oct. 2024 Economists are also watching wage growth, which has been slowing, as well as credit card and auto delinquencies, which have been rising, as early signs that consumers may retrench later this year. —

Jill Schlesinger, The Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for retrench

Recent Examples of Synonyms for retrench

Verb

Working with a sliding scale provider, as mentioned above, is another great way to reduce costs.

— Kimberly Zapata, Parents, 27 Jan. 2025
Princess Anne has no plans to reduce her royal duties as her peers reach retirement age.

— Janine Henni, People.com, 27 Jan. 2025