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
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Recent Examples of cut back
Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
In 2002, the Missionary Ridge Fire filled both rivers with ash and debris and forced the city to cut back pumping.
—David Marston, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 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
Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
The Argentina international netted the match-winner against West Ham from a cutback, his eighth Premier League goal of the season (two penalties included) and 11th in all competitions for 2025-26 — those are already career-leading numbers.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Verb
Last month, the penalty was removed conditional to India cutting back imports from Moscow and buying more American energy.
—Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026
In 2002, the Missionary Ridge Fire filled both rivers with ash and debris and forced the city to cut back pumping.
—David Marston, Denver Post, 5 Mar. 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
While anticipated, the cutbacks were deeper than expected, resulting in the shutdown of the Post’s renowned sports section, and the elimination of its photography staff.
—Boston Herald Wire Services, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 2026
The Argentina international netted the match-winner against West Ham from a cutback, his eighth Premier League goal of the season (two penalties included) and 11th in all competitions for 2025-26 — those are already career-leading numbers.
—Mark Carey, New York Times, 5 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cut back
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cut back
Verb
-
Now, Combs can shave a month off that four-year-plus sentence, as the Federal Bureau of Prisons has updated his release date to April 25, 2028, which is about five weeks forward from the original date of June 4 of the same year.—
Kevin Dolak,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Mar. 2026
-
Or, shave them raw for a crunchy slaw.—
Trista Chan,
Health,
3 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Keeping several fruits together at room temperature can shorten their overall shelf life, including bananas, Deering explains.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
3 Mar. 2026
-
High temperatures increase the risk of damage to battery cells and shorten their service life.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
2 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The management plan outlines when and how those curtailments occur.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
17 Feb. 2026
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Its resurgence has raised concerns among minorities and women workers who fear a potential curtailment of women’s rights if conservative elements gain influence.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
11 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Idaho lawmakers are trying to balance the budget this year after cutting over $450 million in revenue in 2025.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
7 Mar. 2026
-
One piece of legislation that's drawn a lot of attention is a resolution that could have cut property taxes for homeowners by 75% or more through a state constitutional amendment.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Ohtani threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings in an abbreviated start.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Key Takeaways Small caps lead weekly gains, Russell 2000 jumps 3.5% Jobs report shows strength, but private sector lags behind Markets calm despite tariff uncertainty and Elon Musk drama Despite the abbreviated trading week, stocks posted decent gains.—
JJ Kinahan,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Noun
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These efficiency gains mean that hybrids using the Amorphous Motor in their powertrains will see a 1% reduction in fuel and power consumption compared to those using existing motor designs, helping automotive OEMs deliver a new generation of low-emission vehicle models, as per the release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Mar. 2026
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The changes were slight — reductions of just one-tenth of a second and one-half of a mile to a solar lap spanning two years and hundreds of millions of miles, according to the scientists.—
Marcia Dunn,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Even 20 years ago, film wasn’t as accessible or easily clipped together.—
Jourdan Rodrigue,
New York Times,
5 Mar. 2026
-
See the date announcement clip below.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
3 Mar. 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 Mar. 2026.
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