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

Yet, only Everton (34) have created more cutback chances than City’s 33 in the Premier League this season. —Ahmed Walid, New York Times, 24 Dec. 2025

In Rhode Island, Channavy Chhay began noticing the ripple effects of these cutbacks. —Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 13 Dec. 2025

Verb

The source added that Iglesias's decision to cut back his touring schedule was meant to give him more time at home with Kournikova and their children. —Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 26 Dec. 2025

The past year has dealt makers of whiskey and other liquor a mix of challenges – from Americans cutting back on their alcohol consumption for health and spending reasons to declining exports hampered by trade issues and tariffs. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 25 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