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.
Had Callanan been given an opportunity to make further revisions, he might have shortened it by a quarter and reduced his emphasis on “the political.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 24, 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
Organisers have shortened stage 19 of the Tour de France in order to avoid a herd of diseased cattle on the Col des Saisies.
From BBC ● Jul. 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
