shorten

[shawr-tn] / ˈʃɔr tn /

VERB

diminish, decrease

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abbreviate compress curtail cut cut back cut down lessen minimize reduce shrink slash trim

STRONG

abridge bob chop clip condense contract dock edit elide excerpt lop retrench snip

WEAK

blue pencil boil down cut to the bone make a long story short put in a nutshell

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen raise strengthen stretch

WEAK

amplify elongate

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.

"If we can shorten the timeline and help people see benefits sooner, it may encourage them to keep exercising."

From Science Daily • May 16, 2026

The package would allow developers to build housing with fewer parking spaces and would shorten timelines for construction-permit reviews.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

They plan to shorten waits for gynaecology care, have fewer painful procedures without informed consent or pain relief choices, and provide easier access to contraception.

From BBC • May 11, 2026

There was a machinery working to shorten his punishment.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2026

I have to shorten my stride because I'm taller.

From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements

Vocabulary lists containing shorten

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shorten

Example Sentences

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Vocabulary lists containing shorten

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