CURTAIL Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Examples 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 That letter reminded Israel that the Biden administration could be forced by U.S. law to curtail some forms of military aid should the delivery of humanitarian aid continue to be hindered. —

Farnoush Amiri, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2024 Between 1979 and 1997, Tanton launched or helped create more than eight organizations aimed at curtailing immigration or preserving English-speaking culture, building an unparalleled modern force for shaping the debate about who should and should not be allowed into the United States. —

Abrahm Lustgarten, ProPublica, 19 Oct. 2024 The company has curtailed early-stage development efforts to reduce spending and is exploring strategic opportunities. —

Quartz Bot, Quartz, 7 Nov. 2024 That’s despite many of Price’s policies falling largely in line with goals set by the state’s Committee on the Revision of the Penal Code, which urged prosecutors to curtail prison terms and their use of many such enhancements that can add years to a sentence. —

Shomik Mukherjee, The Mercury News, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for curtail