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
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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
Scott Horsley, NPR, 12 June 2025
The team focused mostly on Arizona, a state that is particularly vulnerable to future cutbacks on the Colorado River.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
The overall spending plan also cut back on various programs, including a politically polarizing initiative that provides Medicaid-style health insurance for noncitizens ages 42 to 64.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cut-back
Adjective
For families making less than about $55,000 a year, the cutbacks in government benefits typically outweigh any tax savings, leaving them with a net loss.
—Scott Horsley, NPR, 12 June 2025
The team focused mostly on Arizona, a state that is particularly vulnerable to future cutbacks on the Colorado River.
—Ella Nilsen, CNN Money, 31 May 2025
Noun
Since her exit from the brand, competition for premium water has greatly increased as consumers cut back on pricey purchases amid economic uncertainty.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 17 June 2025
The overall spending plan also cut back on various programs, including a politically polarizing initiative that provides Medicaid-style health insurance for noncitizens ages 42 to 64.
—Olivia Olander, Chicago Tribune, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for cut-back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut-back
Verb
-
The index dipped only slightly, but that nonetheless shaved off some gains from what could have been a higher high.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
30 June 2025
-
This was in the days when only lunatics or scary white punks had shaved heads.—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
Verb
-
Drake, a frequent collaborator, has so far scored 135 placements between Nos. 1 and 10 on the tally, which previously featured more than 10 spaces, but which was shortened several years ago.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
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Boelter is a married father of five but often stayed at Carlson’s home in North Minneapolis to shorten his commute from Green Isle, Minn., to work.—
Jim Mustian,
Mercury News,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
When this happens, transmission operators will enact dispatch down or curtailment measures.—
Renny Vandewege,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
-
If moving up the start date will result in a smaller curtailment of services, implementing parking fees earlier is the better option.—
Phillip Molnar,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
30 May 2025
Verb
-
The prospect of trying to cut open a stubborn 5-4-1 block in the Orlando heat could have become torturous quite quickly.—
Liam Tharme,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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The latest setback was the Senate parliamentarian striking down several provisions of the bill that were designed to cut spending.—
Haisten Willis,
The Washington Examiner,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Tampa Bay’s first two Cup Final runs in that stretch came in abbreviated seasons.—
Jordan McPherson,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
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But with 10 games left in the season, this new chapter has a chance to be more abbreviated than its potential.—
Danny Emerman,
Mercury News,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The most dramatic reduction came for the Honda CR-V, as the vehicle’s hood, mirrors and A-pillars all obstructed a greater portion of the driver’s view over time.—
Tanya Mohn,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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The move could result in layoffs and program reductions across several of its schools, the university said in an announcement.—
Ryan Macasero,
Mercury News,
28 June 2025
Verb
-
Pinch-hitter Jose Tabata fouled off a pair of 2-2 pitches before Scherzer clipped him on the elbow with a breaking ball.—
Houston Mitchell,
Los Angeles Times,
20 June 2025
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In one snap, the proud mom can be seen sitting in a pair of pajamas with her hair halfway clipped up as Santi sits on her lap, smiling at the camera.—
Angel Saunders,
People.com,
19 June 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
-
On Friday, Burrows, R-Lubbock, made public his request to Uvalde District Attorney Christina Mitchell Busbee for an abridged video from a school hallway camera to be released.—
Dallas News,
Dallas News,
11 July 2022
Cite this Entry
“Cut-back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cut-back. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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