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
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Recent Examples of cut back
Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 June 2026
When the foliage deteriorates in hot summer weather, cut back the foliage.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 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
Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
João Cancelo made a nice run through the left side of the area with a couple of cutback moves to get past defenders but his shot was parried by keeper Juan Muso and rebounded in off Lewandowski's shoulder.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Verb
According to Queen Camilla’s son Tom Parker Bowles, his mother had to cut back on a certain bad habit after marrying King Charles—cursing.
—Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 4 June 2026
When the foliage deteriorates in hot summer weather, cut back the foliage.
—Lauren David, Southern Living, 4 June 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 layoffs are the latest to hit Hollywood, which has been hard hit by the exodus of film and TV jobs to other states and countries, a cutback in the number of films being released and media consolidation.
—Cerys Davies, Los Angeles Times, 7 Apr. 2026
João Cancelo made a nice run through the left side of the area with a couple of cutback moves to get past defenders but his shot was parried by keeper Juan Muso and rebounded in off Lewandowski's shoulder.
—ABC News, 4 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut back
Verb
-
The new map has shaved off some of that surplus support to help bolster Democratic odds in neighboring, more competitive swing districts nearer to the Central Valley.—
Chase Hunter,
Mercury News,
3 June 2026
-
Today, the organization relies on volunteers sponsored by family and friends to shave their heads in solidarity with children who lose their hair during cancer treatments.—
Marianne Love,
Daily News,
1 June 2026
Verb
-
During this time, last names were often shortened — Karagounis might become Karras, for example.—
Philip Freeman,
Charlotte Observer,
2 June 2026
-
The program exists to shorten learning curves through clarity and care, offering guidance shaped by lived experience.—
Jason Phillips,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Noun
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Similar concerns were raised about the merger of the SAG and AFTRA health plans in 2017, which was followed by a significant curtailment in benefits a few years later.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
5 June 2026
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In exchange for the curtailment of some freedoms, the people submit to an authority, thereby gaining protection and security.—
George G. Szpiro,
Big Think,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The shortstop also rocketed a 441-foot, two-run home run off Giants right-hander Keaton Winn in the eighth to cut San Francisco’s lead to 4-3.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
30 May 2026
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Based on 2026 opening day figures, eight teams would have to cut payroll to get under the cap.—
Ronald Blum,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
-
In recent years, shorts have been getting smaller, shorter, more abbreviated.—
Max Berlinger,
Vogue,
22 May 2026
-
Tessa Francis fired an abbreviated no-hitter with eight strikeouts, while Ashley Mortensen went 3-for-4 as Marblehead routed Winthrop 12-0 in five innings in the Northeastern Conference.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
Noun
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Months later, after Measure PP’s failure, the council approved over $12 million in budget reductions, which included cuts to the library, parks maintenance staff, and crossing guards.—
Kyle Martin,
Mercury News,
7 June 2026
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This reduction in size and mass makes the architecture especially attractive for electric vehicle applications, where drivetrain compactness is a critical design constraint.—
Bojan Stojkovski,
Interesting Engineering,
7 June 2026
Verb
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The cyclist swerved to avoid the door but still clipped it and was thrown to the street, sources said.—
Tess Kenny,
Chicago Tribune,
6 June 2026
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Dull blades, by contrast, tear the grass blades and make a mess of clipping distribution.—
Megan Hughes,
Better Homes & Gardens,
6 June 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 9 Jun. 2026.
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