curtail
Pronunciation: verb. Synonyms: curb, rein in, truncate
verb
Definition of curtail
restrict or limit; decrease in quantity
Synonyms for curtail
- curb
- rein in
- truncate
curtail in a Sentence
- She had to curtail her shopping habits due to financial constraints.
Why curtail Matters for GRE & SAT
"curtail" is a verb that means "restrict or limit; decrease in quantity" closely related to words like "curb", "rein in", "truncate". As a word starting with C, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.
On the GRE, understanding "curtail" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "curtail" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.
Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (verb). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "curtail" into long-term memory.
How to Remember curtail
One effective way to remember "curtail" (verb) is to group it with similar words you already know: "curb" and "rein in" and "truncate". When you encounter "curtail" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "restrict or limit; decrease in quantity".
Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "curtail" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.
More Vocabulary Words Starting with C
- cacophonous — extremely noisy; grating
- cajole — persuade through flattery or gentle urging
- callous — emotionally unfeeling or insensitive
- callow — young and inexperienced; immature
- calumny — slander and defamation
- candid — Truthful and straightforward; frank
- candid — honest; without deception
- candor — The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness
- canny — shrewd and cautious
- canonize — treat like a god; deeply venerate