cutting 1 of 3

1
as in biting
causing intense discomfort to one's skin a frigid day with a cutting wind that made it seem even colder

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2
3

cutting

2 of 3

noun

as in slice
a piece that has been separated from the whole by cutting a bag full of grass cuttings

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cutting

3 of 3

verb

present participle of cut
1
2
as in skipping
to fail to attend a warning that she had been cutting too many classes without valid excuses

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3
4
as in shaving
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument when you cut the pad, make it a little smaller than the carpet

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5
as in mowing
to shorten the standing leafy plant cover of you need to cut the lawn very soon—before it becomes a jungle

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6
7
8
as in intersecting
to divide by passing through or across a long mountain range virtually cuts that country in half

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9

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 cutting
Verb
The Unified Government created a set of incentives, which include cutting permit fees and water and sewer connection fees, for people who want to build on its land bank property to try to encourage redevelopment. Kansas City Star, 18 Oct. 2025 The prince also accused his father of cutting him off financially, and Meghan said the royals discussed denying their children prince and princess titles and police protection. Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 The organization is also working with ranchers to establish prescribed burn associations to manage the damaging plants and is organizing community cutting days to reduce woody encroachment further. Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 17 Oct. 2025 The optimal time for cutting most flowers is early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, helping flowers maintain moisture and stay fresh longer. Patricia Shannon, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025 Norris finished the race third, ahead of Piastri in fourth, cutting his teammate’s championship lead down to 24 points, with six rounds remaining. Luke Smith, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025 That contest will determine if Milei maintains a political mandate to further his aggressive cost-cutting agenda. Ben Smith, semafor.com, 17 Oct. 2025 What does your research show about the impact of cutting services like these? Joshua Cowen, The Conversation, 17 Oct. 2025 The most effective way to kill mosquitoes starts with cutting them off at the source, which means eliminating any puddles, containers or anything holding water around your home. Tiffany Acosta, AZCentral.com, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting
Adjective
  • But usually the administration official doesn’t fight back in such a biting way.
    David Lightman, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Over nearly three decades, Baumbach has built a career chronicling families in crisis and artists at the crossroads, his films combining biting wit with an unflinching emotional honesty.
    Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • That's why the actress, author and activist is bringing a little slice of her Vancouver Island dwelling to the center of New York City with the launch of her two-day Sonsie Garden pop-up in celebration of her mindful beauty brand.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 22 Oct. 2025
  • And agricultural economists say Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports — only about 2% — that even doubling that wouldn’t change prices much.
    Dave Smith, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The silky-smooth dessert is perfect for slicing into on a hot summer day and also a family-favorite during the holiday season.
    Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Cover the steak and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes before slicing.
    Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Viewing Prep Work as Optional Paint might seem like an instant upgrade, but skipping prep work is a shortcut to disaster.
    Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Rapoport spoke about the struggles that Miami has had, including the controversy with Tua Tagovailoa calling out his own teammates for skipping player-only meetings.
    James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Caregiving is too hard and too isolating to do it on your own.
    Kat McGowan, NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
  • The patient required hospitalization and is now isolating and recovering at home.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Analysts estimate the shutdown is shaving billions off the gross domestic product each week and has left around 803,000 federal workers furloughed or working without pay—many of them lower-wage employees.
    Martha McHardy, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
  • No other manager has reached that figure in a quicker time, with the Spaniard shaving 55 matches off Sir Alex Ferguson’s previous 404-game record pace.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Add nutrients back to your lawn by mowing over them.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Around the house or farm, the USDA says habitat modifications can help prevent ticks, including mowing the grass, removing trees, reducing shade by thinning trees and placing mulch barriers.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Far from cheapening or diluting Ibsen’s themes and conflicts, the action revitalizes them.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The question here might be whether Netflix risks diluting its brand by adding cheaper, less cinematic content to the mix.
    Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 17 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cutting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

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