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
Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
Kenny Burgos, the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, a landlord lobbying group, said Mamdani’s tenant proposals — including freezing the rent for regulated tenants — would force landlords to cut back on maintenance and services.
—ABC News, 3 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
Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Last week, the Westminster City Council discussed enacting a drought watch — a less severe step than a Stage 1 declaration that would rely on voluntary cutbacks.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Verb
As those cases wind their way through the court system, McMahon has been cutting back.
—Las Vegas Review-Journal, Twin Cities, 3 Apr. 2026
Kenny Burgos, the CEO of the New York Apartment Association, a landlord lobbying group, said Mamdani’s tenant proposals — including freezing the rent for regulated tenants — would force landlords to cut back on maintenance and services.
—ABC News, 3 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
The commissioner said that because of the way grant money is dispensed, the major effect of the cutbacks will not be felt for two years.
—Marcia Kramer, CBS News, 18 Mar. 2026
Last week, the Westminster City Council discussed enacting a drought watch — a less severe step than a Stage 1 declaration that would rely on voluntary cutbacks.
—John Aguilar, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut back
Verb
-
In the first episode back, Cranston stands completely nude as Kaczmarek’s Lois shaves his back and nether regions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
-
With the war in Iran sending oil prices soaring, consumers under even more economic pressure may not be lured back by PepsiCo shaving less than a dollar off a snack bag.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Terms on the seven-person board are six years long, though a Missouri bill to shorten the terms to three years passed the state Senate and is working its way through the House.—
Ilana Arougheti,
Kansas City Star,
7 Apr. 2026
-
When attention spans are shortened, distractions multiply, and burnout rises across industries, the competitive edge comes from teams who can regulate stress, sustain focus and think creatively under pressure.—
Elan Gepner-Dales,
Rolling Stone,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The disruption reflects a broader curtailment of Holy Week traditions.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
29 Mar. 2026
-
The management plan outlines when and how those curtailments occur.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Medical experts say if a rattlesnake bites, keep the area still, at or below heart level, do not apply ice, do not cut the wound, and do not suck out the venom – and seek help immediately.—
Jasmine Viel,
CBS News,
4 Apr. 2026
-
The Aztecs were within nine points late in the first half against Michigan and had a 3 rattle out that would have cut it to six before getting their doors blown off 94-54, their most lopsided defeat of the 21st century.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 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
-
The hotel has set waste and water reduction targets, including plastic and food waste prevention.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Pollution reduction, congestion reduction, improved safety, comfort, reliability.—
Jon Wertheim,
CBS News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Bruce checked the number on the oxygen monitor still clipped to Louise’s finger.—
Catherine Lacey,
New Yorker,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Woods, 50, had to climb out of the passenger's side door of his Land Rover in the wake of the March 27 crash on Jupiter Island, because the car had flipped onto its side after clipping the trailer attached to a pickup truck driving in front of him, according to the arrest report.—
Emily Mae Czachor,
CBS News,
3 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 10 Apr. 2026.
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