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

Health benefits, child care assistance and other services were rolled back for the poorest Californians and the state is contemplating keeping those cutbacks in place in the coming year. —Sacbee.com, 23 Mar. 2026

The hospital suspended its obstetrical and neonatal services; dozens of employees were laid off after Vista East had its trauma center designation temporarily revoked in February 2024; there have been other service cutbacks; and doctors have complained of not being paid. —Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 23 Mar. 2026

Verb

The lack of rain has forced them to cut back on cattle herds or sell out altogether. —Shi En Kim, AZCentral.com, 26 Mar. 2026

Until a deal is reached, teachers are cutting back. —Julia Avant, CBS News, 26 Mar. 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
• 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