1
as in to shave
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to shorten
to make less in extent or duration
cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in curtailed
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
as in curtailment
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cut back
Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
In 2002, the Missionary Ridge Fire filled both rivers with ash and debris and forced the city to cut back pumping.
—David Marston, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Both were from similar actions, where Paintsil tapped in a cut-back pass that nobody on Sporting’s back line anticipated.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Any plan that begins and ends with Lower Basin cutbacks, those states have said, is likely to trigger a lawsuit aimed at ensuring the compact is upheld.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Verb
Last month, the penalty was removed conditional to India cutting back imports from Moscow and buying more American energy.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
In 2002, the Missionary Ridge Fire filled both rivers with ash and debris and forced the city to cut back pumping.
—David Marston, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
In September 2023, under De Zerbi, Brighton’s opening goal again came from a cut-back, this time the right flank.
—Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
Both were from similar actions, where Paintsil tapped in a cut-back pass that nobody on Sporting’s back line anticipated.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2025
Noun
The actual number lost is expected to be lower, but state law and union trigger notifications will cover all possible cutback scenarios.
—Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2026
Any plan that begins and ends with Lower Basin cutbacks, those states have said, is likely to trigger a lawsuit aimed at ensuring the compact is upheld.
—Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut back
Verb
-
Stone said parts of the Bible instructs people how to shave.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Two pumps of the stuff should cover your entire face and give you enough slip to shave comfortably and without irritation.—
Justin Fenner,
Robb Report,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
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In some situations, the automatic stay — which is the legal protection that stops collection activity — may be limited or shortened if multiple filings occur within a year.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
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Previous research further concluded that the smaller asteroid Dimorphos' 12-hour orbit around the nearly half-mile-wide Didymos shortened by 33 minutes after the DART mission.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
10 Mar. 2026
Noun
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The management plan outlines when and how those curtailments occur.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Feb. 2026
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Its resurgence has raised concerns among minorities and women workers who fear a potential curtailment of women’s rights if conservative elements gain influence.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Even as Michigan State came roaring back in the second half, cutting the lead to just two in the final minute, UCLA never flinched.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Mar. 2026
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Orangefield cut the lead to 8 points a couple of times late in the game, but Cobb made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 46 seconds to keep the Bobcats at bay.—
Darren Lauber,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Ohtani threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings in an abbreviated start.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
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Key Takeaways Small caps lead weekly gains, Russell 2000 jumps 3.5% Jobs report shows strength, but private sector lags behind Markets calm despite tariff uncertainty and Elon Musk drama Despite the abbreviated trading week, stocks posted decent gains.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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These efficiency gains mean that hybrids using the Amorphous Motor in their powertrains will see a 1% reduction in fuel and power consumption compared to those using existing motor designs, helping automotive OEMs deliver a new generation of low-emission vehicle models, as per the release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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The changes were slight — reductions of just one-tenth of a second and one-half of a mile to a solar lap spanning two years and hundreds of millions of miles, according to the scientists.—
Marcia Dunn,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even 20 years ago, film wasn’t as accessible or easily clipped together.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
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See the date announcement clip below.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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That's the abridged version of the tricky nature of prosecuting a murder case without a body.—
Fox News,
Fox News,
17 Jan. 2023
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For theater owners, even the abridged period of theatrical exclusivity is considered a win.—
Rebecca Rubin,
Variety,
7 Nov. 2022
Cite this Entry
“Cut back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cut%20back. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.
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