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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cut back
Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The union said some members often fall behind on rent and resort to long commutes to cut back on high-cost housing near work, while others sleep in cars.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 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
That approach often comes with tradeoffs, like cutting back on alcohol or budgeting differently to afford the classes and trainers who know their name and celebrate their wins.
—Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 15 Apr. 2026
The union said some members often fall behind on rent and resort to long commutes to cut back on high-cost housing near work, while others sleep in cars.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 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
-
Each man staked a wrestler, and the winner would shave the loser’s hair.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Amor & Droga [SOL] Even though she’s gone head-to-head on a track with Madonna and shaved her head onstage at FKA twigs’ Body High tour, Tokischa continues to find new ways to establish herself as one of neoperreo’s ballsiest torchbearers.—
Hattie Lindert,
Pitchfork,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
In its major settlements with universities, the Administration has shortened the investigation stage and pushed for broad, often unrelated remedies.—
Zach Helfand,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This approach can dramatically shorten waiting times and, in many cases, save patients who may not survive the wait for a deceased donor organ.—
Dr. Hiroshi Sogawa,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
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
-
The disruption reflects a broader curtailment of Holy Week traditions.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
The newscast cut the bodycam footage after his entry to protect her identity, but Vogel proudly said there was no cause for concern.—
Angel Saunders,
PEOPLE,
18 Apr. 2026
-
In April 2009, a unanimous council — including first-year member Todd Gloria — embraced Sanders’ plan to impose a 6% cut in pay and benefits for city workers, cutting the shortfall in half.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 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
-
Parents of students with disabilities have expressed concern about civil rights cases closing too soon and difficulties of knowing who to talk to after the reduction in force occurred.—
Lexi Lonas Cochran,
The Hill,
19 Apr. 2026
-
The Perseverance rover, which is on Mars collecting rock and soil samples, could face spending reductions.—
Justine McDaniel,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Both the House and Senate want to clip DeSantis’ wings.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Thanks to the rise of algorithmic feeds, clipping has morphed into the creator economy’s version of wheatpasting.—
Andrew Zucker,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
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 23 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
