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
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Recent Examples of cuts back
This recipe cuts back on both without sacrificing flavor.
—
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuts back
Verb
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Those varying responses often have an offsetting effect that shaves off the most extreme edges of the group’s volatility.—
Catherine Brock,
Forbes.com,
27 Aug. 2025
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Accessories, colored extensions, and unique shaves all accentuate the beauty of natural hair to help anyone achieve the best natural hairstyles for curly hair.—
Ashley Alese Edwards,
Glamour,
26 Aug. 2025
Verb
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This approach reduces labor costs and shortens resale cycles.—
Footwear News,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
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Every cut to the CDC, every withdrawal from WHO, every concession to anti-science populism shortens lives — not only in Chicago, Harlem and Houston but also in Lagos, Caracas, Mumbai, Gaza and Nairobi.—
Stan Chu Ilo,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The camera cuts between Dennis, who’s sobbing, and Roman, who’s horrified, processing Dennis’ betrayal.—
Barry Levitt,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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While screen technology that cuts blue light down to 1% is impressive compared with current technology, blue light in general isn’t conclusively bad for your health.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The latter happens when a ball clips the net before dropping in play.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
-
Skip the pricey groomer visits and messy bathroom trims with this Labor Day deal.—
Jessie Quinn,
USA Today,
1 Sep. 2025
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The move trims the quarterback room down to four players, including Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cuts back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuts%20back. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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