ABRIDGE Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'abridge' different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of abridge are abbreviate , curtail , retrench , and shorten . While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," 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 might 'abbreviate' be a better fit than 'abridge'?

The words abbreviate and abridge can be used in similar contexts, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part. // using an abbreviated title

Q: When would 'curtail' be a good substitute for 'abridge'?

The meanings of curtail and abridge largely overlap; however, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy. // ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Q: When could 'retrench' be used to replace 'abridge'?

While in some cases nearly identical to abridge , retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive. // declining business forced the company to retrench

Q: When is it sensible to use 'shorten' instead of 'abridge'?

The words shorten and abridge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, shorten implies reduction in length or duration. // shorten a speech

abridge

verb

ə-ˈbrij

Definition of abridge

as in to shorten

to make less in extent or duration the library's hours have been drastically abridged to cut costs

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

Some common synonyms of abridge are abbreviate, curtail, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," 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 abbreviate be a better fit than abridge?

The words abbreviate and abridge can be used in similar contexts, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

When would curtail be a good substitute for abridge?

The meanings of curtail and abridge largely overlap; however, curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When could retrench be used to replace abridge?

While in some cases nearly identical to abridge, retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When is it sensible to use shorten instead of abridge?

The words shorten and abridge 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 abridge The First Amendment prevents the government from making laws that abridge freedom of speech. — Jason Zenor, The Conversation, 18 Feb. 2026 The changes to the election cycle would abridge the terms of four school board members who voted to fire her and one who did not vote to fire her. — Brooke Muckerman, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 18 Feb. 2026 Advertisement The Fifteenth Amendment had prohibited denying or abridging voting rights based on race, color, or conditions of previous servitude. — Time, 29 Oct. 2025 The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. — JSTOR Daily, 25 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for abridge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abridge

Verb

This position causes the moonlight to pass through a denser layer of air, shortening blue and violet wavelengths and making the orange and red ones stand out — similar to a sunset.

— Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
With many drivers conserving fuel to shorten their first green-flag pit stop, Buescher, Preece and Keselowski broke from the pack with laps that were 10 seconds faster.

— ABC News, ABC News, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of shorten

Verb

Kyiv has pounded Russian refineries this year in an effort to cut the revenue the Kremlin collects from energy exports and curtail Moscow's ability to wage war.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
The ruling only addressed criminal liability and did not curtail Congress’ constitutional authority to investigate presidential conduct, control federal spending, enact statutory restrictions and, in serious cases, pursue impeachment.

— Stephanie A, The Conversation, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of curtail

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abreast

abridge

abridged

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“Abridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abridge. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of abridge

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