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

Although there are some cutbacks in visual fidelity and performance, these games prove that the hybrid console is a more-than-capable platform for modern releases. — Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Producing has always been an uphill climb, and it has been made steeper as the business roils with cutbacks and contraction and the infiltration of AI. — Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 31 Aug. 2026

Verb

Phil Walter / Getty Images Tennis Australia chief executive Andrew Abdo suggested Grand Slams could cut back best-of-five men’s singles matches as tennis looks to attract younger audiences. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

The flow of traffic has improved in recent weeks, but as the US and Iran have struggled over control of the strait since last winter, countries around the world have sought alternative energy sources and looked to cut back on energy use. — Michelle Velez, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 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