cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

1

: something cut back

2

: reduction

a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

2

: cut down

cut back on sugar

Synonyms of cutback

Verb

• shave
• cut
• clip
• trim
• lop (off)

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb

we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street

cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the two years following the 2023 strikes, the entertainment industry lost 42,000 of its 142,000 jobs to streaming cutbacks, production moves to cheaper locations with better tax incentives, corporate consolidation and AI. — Meredith Maran, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026

Patrick Mahomes actually spotted the cutback lane before Kenneth Walker did. — Sam McDowell 20, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

To avoid cutting workers, Torani cut back on other expenses instead, including marketing and advertising. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026

The goal is to save money, cut back on overconsumption and be more mindful of wasteful and unsustainable shopping habits. — Margaret Cirino, NPR, 23 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Rhymes for cutback

• aback
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback
• dieback

Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak 

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

1

a

: prune entry 2 sense 2

b

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

2

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking