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 a notice filed Tuesday with the Employment Development Department, the bank said the cutbacks affected workers in the bank’s chief operating office as well as its consumer, small and business banking units for the capital region, located at 2125 Butano Drive in Arden Arcade. —Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 12 Dec. 2025

John Dickerson, who is departing CBS News later this month, was honored for his essays for CBS Evening News Plus, which was recently canceled amid corporate cutbacks. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2025

Verb

Climbing roses should only be cut back to half their height. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 Dec. 2025

That is one of the reasons why major distilleries like MGP have cut back on production and reported a drop in sales. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 Dec. 2025

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
• anzac
• attack
• backpack
• backtrack
• bareback
• blackjack
• brownback
• buyback
• callback
• cognac
• comeback

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