shorten
verb (used with object)
have shortened
-
present perfectof shorten.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
Scrapping a law that could have shortened a man's prison sentence because he committed murder as a child was not a breach of human rights, the Supreme Court has ruled.
From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026
Larger brands have shortened windows by 12%, from 43 to 38 days.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 9, 2026
U.S. stock and bond markets will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, and they will have shortened hours on Black Friday.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 25, 2025
At a Thursday hearing, Judge Arun Subramanian asked Combs whether he rejected the plea deal from federal prosecutors that could have shortened his possible prison sentence if convicted.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2025
Surely he could have shortened his options and not guessed his way through all the emperors.
From "Made You Up" by Francesca Zappia
