1
as in shaves
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 shortens
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
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Recent Examples of cuts back
When using a Bluetooth connection, there are a fair few audio dropouts that'll last ~5 seconds or so before the audio cuts back in.
—
Joe Salas
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Like that video where Bryan Cranston impersonates Art Garfunkel at Central Park, and his bouffant gets bigger every time the camera cuts back.
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
In quasi-noir mode, the action cuts back repeatedly to Elliot in rough shape in a police interrogation room, being questioned by two detectives (Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville, relishing the chance to shove aside their anticonventional reputations and play stern authority figures).
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
What’s more, Young and others say that as the federal government cuts back on health spending, getting access for even basic health services – such as having a child in a hospital – might force patients to travel.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
The Qin Plus remains one of BYD’s best-selling models, and the move follows a series of similar discounts earlier in September for the Tang DM-i, Seal 07 DM-i, and Qin L EV, as well as a broader round of price cuts back in May.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
Plus, crafting together can even be a fun way to celebrate Halloween that doesn't involve trick-or-treating and cuts back on candy.
—Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
This pantry organizer is also surprisingly compact, fits easily into tight spaces, and even cuts back on your plastic use in the kitchen.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Then, the camera cuts back to the man who's seen smiling and tipping his hat to a roaring crowd around him after the sweet gesture.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Joe Salas
may 31, New Atlas, 31 May 2026
Like that video where Bryan Cranston impersonates Art Garfunkel at Central Park, and his bouffant gets bigger every time the camera cuts back.
—Mike Sutter, San Antonio Express-News, 25 Feb. 2026
In quasi-noir mode, the action cuts back repeatedly to Elliot in rough shape in a police interrogation room, being questioned by two detectives (Margaret Cho and Johnny Knoxville, relishing the chance to shove aside their anticonventional reputations and play stern authority figures).
—David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 24 Jan. 2026
What’s more, Young and others say that as the federal government cuts back on health spending, getting access for even basic health services – such as having a child in a hospital – might force patients to travel.
—Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
The Qin Plus remains one of BYD’s best-selling models, and the move follows a series of similar discounts earlier in September for the Tang DM-i, Seal 07 DM-i, and Qin L EV, as well as a broader round of price cuts back in May.
—Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
Plus, crafting together can even be a fun way to celebrate Halloween that doesn't involve trick-or-treating and cuts back on candy.
—Ellen Sturm Niz, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
This pantry organizer is also surprisingly compact, fits easily into tight spaces, and even cuts back on your plastic use in the kitchen.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
Then, the camera cuts back to the man who's seen smiling and tipping his hat to a roaring crowd around him after the sweet gesture.
—Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuts back
Verb
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The decision to move elections to November shaves several months off the existing terms of the mayor, vice mayor and commissioners.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
-
For beard trims and shaves, go to Pisterzi in Soho.—
The Editors,
Curbed,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Using Samaniego to start the game, though, shortens an already thin bullpen.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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This shortens interconnect lengths, increase data speeds, reduce latency, and lower power consumption.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
27 May 2026
Verb
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In general, electrification cuts energy costs, removes the volatility of fuel prices, and builds more resilient operations.—
Justin Worland,
Time,
29 May 2026
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Tens of thousands of jobs cuts across the industry have increased competition for open spots.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
28 May 2026
Verb
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This compact tote folds into a small pouch that clips directly onto your keys and expands into a functional bag when needed.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
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Joe Rodon clips a pass over the top of the Brentford defence for Calvert-Lewin to contest.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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For 2026, the hybrid is offered in LXS, EX, SX, and SX Prestige trims.—
Michael Harley,
Forbes.com,
27 May 2026
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The 2026 model, with only minor changes from 2025, is available in Premiere, Reserve and Black Label trims.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
1 May 2026
Verb
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On the downside, using the camera at 4K noticeably crops the lens view.—
Jim Fisher,
PC Magazine,
14 Apr. 2026
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When a user uploads a photo, the algorithm locates the bee, crops the image and compares it to our database.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
14 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cuts back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuts%20back. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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