Thesaurus results for CURTAIL

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

Some common synonyms of curtail are abbreviate , abridge , retrench , and shorten . While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy. // ceremonies curtailed because of rain

Q: When is 'abbreviate' a more appropriate choice than 'curtail'?

The synonyms abbreviate and curtail are sometimes interchangeable, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part. // using an abbreviated title

Q: Where would 'abridge' be a reasonable alternative to 'curtail'?

The words abridge and curtail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 'retrench' be a better fit than 'curtail'?

The words retrench and curtail can be used in similar contexts, but retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive. // declining business forced the company to retrench

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

The meanings of shorten and curtail largely overlap; however, shorten implies reduction in length or duration. // shorten a speech

curtail

verb

(ˌ)kər-ˈtāl

Definition of curtail next

as in to shorten

to make less in extent or duration curtailed the school day because of the stormy weather

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Some common synonyms of curtail are abbreviate, abridge, retrench, and shorten. While all these words mean "to reduce in extent," curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.

ceremonies curtailed because of rain

When is abbreviate a more appropriate choice than curtail?

The synonyms abbreviate and curtail are sometimes interchangeable, but abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.

using an abbreviated title

Where would abridge be a reasonable alternative to curtail?

The words abridge and curtail are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 retrench be a better fit than curtail?

The words retrench and curtail can be used in similar contexts, but retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.

declining business forced the company to retrench

When would shorten be a good substitute for curtail?

The meanings of shorten and curtail largely overlap; however, 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 curtail Since the war began, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic through the strait, which a fifth of global oil transited through in peacetime. —

Arkansas Online, 16 Apr. 2026 Negotiations have continued over the last week between the warring sides over a potential agreement that would end the conflict and curtail Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with interlocutors from Pakistan passing messages that have kept talks alive. —

Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2026 Since the war began, Iran has curtailed maritime traffic, with most commercial vessels avoiding the waterway. —

Samy Magdy, Fortune, 15 Apr. 2026 No, the Heat doesn’t need to tank, particularly when the NBA is poised to implement rules designed to curtail that. —

Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for curtail

Recent Examples of Synonyms for curtail

shorten

Verb

In its major settlements with universities, the Administration has shortened the investigation stage and pushed for broad, often unrelated remedies.

— Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
This approach can dramatically shorten waiting times and, in many cases, save patients who may not survive the wait for a deceased donor organ.

— Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa, Hartford Courant, 20 Apr. 2026