Definitions

abbreviation

[uh-bree-vee-ey-shuhn] / əˌbri viˈeɪ ʃən /

NOUN

something shortened

Synonyms

STRONG

abridgement abstract abstraction clipping compendium compression condensation contraction digest outline precis précis reduction sketch summary syllabus synopsis

Antonyms

STRONG

enlargement expansion extension increase lengthening

WEAK

augmentation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Jackson’s music videos — “short films,” he preferred to call them — did that too, in abbreviation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

“The internet is all about outrage. It is perfect for IS extremism that builds on grievances,” he said, using an abbreviation for the group.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 18, 2025

People joke that the abbreviation Lao PDR means "Lao Please Don't Rush".

From Barron's • Dec. 1, 2025

CMAT's stage name is pretty simple when you think about it, it's simply an abbreviation of her name - Clara Mary-Alice Thompson.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2025

Each abbreviation is surrounded by many inches of white space.

From "The Sense of Style" by Steven Pinker

Vocabulary lists containing abbreviation

TEKS ELAR Academic Vocabulary List (5th-7th grades)

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Language and Grammar - Introductory

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List 8

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