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

But everyone knows tougher times lie ahead, especially in the face of looming severe cutbacks in federal health care funding. —Kate Durham, Mercury News, 23 June 2026

Paul Breitner quickly equalised from the spot for the West Germans and then, just before half-time, Muller struck ruthlessly after controlling a cutback. —Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026

Verb

Many of its products meet ENERGY STAR® requirements, which help cut back on your energy bills. —Alora Bopray, USA Today, 17 June 2026

To deadhead, cut back individual spent blooms to the first five-leaflet leaf to encourage more buds to form. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 17 June 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