curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy.
ceremonies curtailed because of rain
abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part.
using an abbreviated title
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
retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive.
declining business forced the company to retrench
Example Sentences
shorten a pair of pants He had to shorten the speech. “Franklin D. Roosevelt” is often shortened to “FDR.”
Recent Examples on the WebChlorophyll, which is the chemical that gives many trees their green pigment, absorbs sunlight, but as days shorten, chlorophyll production stops and trees begin to stop. Claire Rafford, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Sep. 2022 The offense will have to lean on its explosive and consistent run game to score points and shorten the game. Lance Reisland, cleveland, 14 Sep. 2022 Already, public health agencies, researchers and nonprofit organizations around the world have taken it upon themselves to abbreviate or shorten the controversial name. Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2022 Adjustable straps, designed with a slider to easily lengthen or shorten the straps for the best fit, are a common feature of bras. Lexie Sachs, Good Housekeeping, 17 Aug. 2022 Plus, your hamstring muscles shorten during knee flexion, allowing for greater isolation of your glutes. Tiffany Ayuda, SELF, 8 Aug. 2022 But those who use wheelchairs say the delays are being felt more acutely now thanks to many other airline issues, including flight delays, which can shorten connection times. Allison Pohle, WSJ, 29 July 2022 Music may offer catharsis of all kinds, but sweet sounds won’t shorten the long road ahead. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2022 This gives you more room for games and will shorten game loading times. Andrew Cunningham, Ars Technica, 8 July 2022 See More