Synonyms for

Shorten

Verb / ˈʃɔ:rtʌn / Another word for shorten — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to make something shorter in length, duration, or size

Synonyms & similar words

castrate abridge abbreviate expurgate contract expand cut foreshorten reduce bowdlerize bowdlerise lengthen reduce trim curtail abbreviate shave diminish lessen compress condense contract decrease dock abridge truncate minimize slash

Synonyms by register

Formal

abbreviate contract reduce curtail

Informal

cut down trim chop pare

Literary

wane abridge

Antonyms

lengthen extend elongate prolong expand stretch

Common collocations

  • shorten the distance
  • shorten the time
  • shorten the rope
  • shorten the list
  • shorten the journey
  • shorten the lifespan
  • shorten the skirt

Word family

noun shortness
verb shorten
adjective short
adverb shortly

Usage note

Often used to describe making something physically shorter in length or duration. Can also be used metaphorically, such as 'shorten the odds'.

Example sentences

  1. I will shorten the rope to tie the package.
  2. The teacher asked us to shorten our essays.
  3. I need to shorten my pants to fit my height.
  4. He decided to shorten his trip and come back home earlier.
  5. I am going to shorten the meeting to one hour.

Quotes

  • Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.
  • The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.
  • Life is too short for long-term grudges.

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