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

Meanwhile, there have been drastic cutbacks to Harry and Meghan’s Archewell production business, with which the couple aim to develop film, TV and audio projects. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 31 Dec. 2025

Plans for an interchange there were placed on CDOT's 10-year plan radar several years ago, but now the high cost, federal cutbacks, and state budget shortfalls mean there's no money available to do the project. —Alan Gionet, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

Verb

With costs climbing and many customers cutting back, Denver's restaurant scene has been hit hard. —Jasmine Arenas, CBS News, 31 Dec. 2025

Some other companies are heading toward bankruptcy as Americans cut back on discretionary spending amid persistent inflation. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 30 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