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
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of cut back
Will Lennon, ABC News, 8 May 2026
In response to high gas prices, 42% of those surveyed are also cutting back on other household expenses.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 7 May 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
Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Macy Martin provided the assist on a cutback pass.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Verb
Over 4 in 10 have cut back on driving (44%) or cut household expenses (42%).
—Will Lennon, ABC News, 8 May 2026
In response to high gas prices, 42% of those surveyed are also cutting back on other household expenses.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 7 May 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
Solans’ cutback sent KC’s Jansen Miller sliding the wrong way, making for an easy finish that doubled the gap in the 55th minute.
—Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2026
Macy Martin provided the assist on a cutback pass.
—Ishmael Johnson, Dallas Morning News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut back
Verb
-
But drivers wouldn’t immediately see that full amount shaved off their bills under a suspension.—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2026
-
Ghia’s take on the XK140 was likely even faster, since its lightweight aluminum body—replacing the standard model’s steel shell—shaved as much as 220 pounds.—
Howard Walker,
Robb Report,
13 May 2026
Verb
-
Heat can shrink fabrics, fade colors and weaken elastic fibers, which shortens the life of garments that would otherwise hold up for years.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Miami Herald,
12 May 2026
-
The inside is exceptionally soft, while the outside has the crispy texture that comes from shortening in a biscuit—that's a good thing.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
India is already rationing LNG supplies, according to a note S&P Global Energy shared with CNBC, which said power generation, refining, and petrochemicals are lower-priority sectors and therefore more exposed to curtailments.—
Priyanka Salve,
CNBC,
17 Apr. 2026
-
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
-
The shutdown has had a massive impact on the finances of Iranians whose businesses rely on internet access and has also effectively cut the people off from the outside world.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
9 May 2026
-
After being cut from the high school team each of his first three years, Sloane piled on some muscle, increased the velocity on his fastball and drew college interest last summer.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
Adjective
-
Liam Merrigan fired an abbreviated no-hitter with 12 strikeouts and a walk as Hingham bested Marshfield 5-0 in five innings.—
Tyler McManus,
Boston Herald,
7 Apr. 2026
-
But in this case, that doesn’t matter, because after such an abbreviated Herro season, the Heat simply have to wait to see greater durability, meaning deferring the contract decision.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
In a 2019 op-ed in The New York Times, Felix claimed that Nike offered her a 70 percent pay reduction during those negotiations.—
Tina Sturdevant,
New York Times,
10 May 2026
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Last month, Snap CEO Evan Spiegel announced the reduction of about 1,000 roles at the company, 16% of its staff.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
10 May 2026
Verb
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The attack was limited by the fact that the revolver only held 5 bullets and had to be reloaded one bullet at a time, as opposed to assault rifles that often have large detachable magazines that can be clipped in and out rapidly.—
The Denver Post Editorial Board,
Denver Post,
8 May 2026
-
The lab didn't take DNA samples from each fish, which can be done by clipping off a tiny bit of one fin.—
Nell Greenfieldboyce,
NPR,
7 May 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
-
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 14 May. 2026.
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