shorten
17 synonyms and 2 antonyms for shorten, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To make something shorter in length, duration, or extent.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use shorten
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
shorten the odds
shorten a sentence
shorten the process
Etymology
From short + the verb-forming suffix -en, continuing an older Old English word meaning "to become short".
Full origin of shorten →Frequently asked questions
What does “shorten” mean?
The word “shorten” means to make something shorter in length, duration, or extent. In plain terms, to make (or become) shorter.
How do you pronounce “shorten”?
“Shorten” is pronounced SHAWTN (/ˈʃɔɹtn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “shorten” in a sentence?
Here is “shorten” used in a sentence: “The tailor shortened the trousers by two inches.”
What is another word for “shorten”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shorten” include abbreviate, abridge, chop down, chop off, cut short and compress.
What is the opposite of “shorten”?
The opposite of “shorten” — its antonyms — are extend and lengthen.
What part of speech is “shorten”?
“Shorten” is a verb.
Where does the word “shorten” come from?
The word “shorten” comes from Old English. From short + the verb-forming suffix -en, continuing an older Old English word meaning "to become short".
Is “shorten” a common word?
“Shorten” is an uncommon word in modern English.
