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
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 cuts back
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
This recipe cuts back on both without sacrificing flavor.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
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
This recipe cuts back on both without sacrificing flavor.
—Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuts back
Verb
-
In one scene, Johnson’s character goes to the barber shop and shaves his hair.—
Jazz Tangcay,
Variety,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Pro gaming mouse shaves off 24%, packing ultra-light speed and switches that keep up with endless gaming sessions without slowing you down.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
15 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Whether arriving early shortens my wait depends on when others choose to arrive, and if all tourists follow the same internet advice and arrive an hour early, the lines at opening may be the longest of the day.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
14 Oct. 2025
-
Beyond nutrition, the EUSD Farm to School program also reduces packaging waste, shortens food miles and donates surplus produce to local food banks and community resource centers.—
News Release,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Abuse cuts across religion, race, and class.—
Ed Gaskin,
Boston Herald,
19 Oct. 2025
-
The camera lingers over the $20 bill Maggie has left, and the film cuts to black.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
17 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The carry handles each have a magnetic piece that then clips together to form a single bar to grasp.—
Adam Campbell-Schmitt,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
18 Sep. 2025
-
For messing up, Martha clips Gabriel’s wings, forcing him to live life as a human, with a new casual wardrobe to match and a taste for fast food.—
Michael Rechtshaffen,
HollywoodReporter,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Some popular models that may require mid-grade Plus fuel include some Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Some popular models that may require mid-grade Plus fuel include some Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee trims.—
Charles Singh,
Nashville Tennessean,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cuts back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuts%20back. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share