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
Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2025
Critics have focused their warnings on the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, office closures and staffing cutbacks, with Warren, of Massachusetts, previously raising alarms about access to benefits, transparency and program solvency for current and future retirees.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Sarah Garone, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
This latest one from Arby's, the Loaded Italian Sandwich, is an attempt to garner more foot traffic from many who once frequented their restaurants but have cut back on dining out in favor of eating at home to save money.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cut-back
Adjective
So, on a personal level, Tomlinson wasn’t unhappy to be among the half-dozen staff members trimmed last month amid workforce cutbacks by WFAE, and to officially close out his time with the station last Thursday.
—Theoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 5 Aug. 2025
Critics have focused their warnings on the rollout of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, office closures and staffing cutbacks, with Warren, of Massachusetts, previously raising alarms about access to benefits, transparency and program solvency for current and future retirees.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Aug. 2025
Noun
On the flip side, cutting back or eliminating soda could help keep these effects at bay, ultimately reducing the risk of metabolic diseases.
—Sarah Garone, Health, 4 Sep. 2025
This latest one from Arby's, the Loaded Italian Sandwich, is an attempt to garner more foot traffic from many who once frequented their restaurants but have cut back on dining out in favor of eating at home to save money.
—Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cut-back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut-back
Verb
-
Last week, the Congressional Budget Office estimated that tariffs would shave trillions of dollars off the federal budget deficit.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
29 Aug. 2025
-
Per a Vogue cover story earlier this month, the actress’ head was shaved in real time during a scene in the movie.—
Jack Smart,
People.com,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Several Fort Worth-area football teams had their games shortened, postponed or canceled Friday.—
Charles Baggarly,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
6 Sep. 2025
-
This especially fresh status delivers a milder, smooth flavor but also shortens its shelf life.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The move to question Europe’s harsh CO2 curtailment rules coincides with Trump Administration efforts to terminate rules based on the case that CO2 is a danger to public health These rules form the basis for U.S. greenhouse gas regulations.—
Neil Winton,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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The curtailment of academic freedom, the deportation of foreign students, the banning of protests: all of this is being done under the pretext of protecting Jews, who alone are entitled to protections that other groups apparently don’t merit.—
Eyal Press,
New Yorker,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Initially lined up outside, Chiefs defensive end Chris Jones quickly cut inside to beat the right tackle.—
Pete Sweeney,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
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On the northeast of the fire, by Sugar Pine Mountain, crews worked in steep, inaccessible terrain to bring containment lines into the natural rock bluff, trying to cut the fire off south of the Wishon Reservoir for the protection of the critical hydroelectric infrastructure.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
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
-
Tampa Bay’s first two Cup Final runs in that stretch came in abbreviated seasons.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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While sustainable aviation fuels and electric aircraft will play larger roles in long-term decarbonization, immediate weight reduction offers airlines tangible benefits today.—
Karl Moore,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
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The scale of the revision announced on Tuesday exceeds a downward reduction in hiring estimates last year that has drawn criticism from Trump in recent weeks.—
Max Zahn,
ABC News,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Assembly is best as a two-person job, but pretty much consists of clipping the arms to the seats and plugging in the motors.—
Zoë Sessums,
Architectural Digest,
4 Sep. 2025
-
The video quickly clipped to the white sedan engulfed in flames.—
Paulina Dedaj,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
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
-
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-back. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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