1
as in ending
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
the majority party cut off debate and forced a vote on the bill
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in separating
to set or keep apart from others
the dog cut off the one sheep that had to be sheared
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cutting off
This is a vivid example of lawmakers inadvertently potentially cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.
—
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Curtis recommends cutting off any browning leaves at the base with a sharp, clean pair of secateurs.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 24 May 2026
The Tribune recently reported Ige also voluntarily returned tens of millions of dollars in federal COVID-19 grants, cutting off funding for disease surveillance and racial equity programming.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Mow the grass regularly, cutting off just an inch or so of grass to create clippings that will break down quickly in your compost bin.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2026
Among the opening acts of World War I, Britain severed Germany’s key telegraph cables, cutting off its communications with its forces.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
That includes Moscow cutting off natural gas supplies to Europe in retaliation for sanctions the West imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 May 2026
The judge ruled against cutting off the live feed, and Zilis’ testimony went ahead.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 15 May 2026
If no deal is reached, officials say enforcement actions could include liens on properties, legal action, andr, if necessary, service restrictions such as cutting off some or all water, including the hospitals.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Curtis recommends cutting off any browning leaves at the base with a sharp, clean pair of secateurs.
—Michelle Mastro, The Spruce, 24 May 2026
The Tribune recently reported Ige also voluntarily returned tens of millions of dollars in federal COVID-19 grants, cutting off funding for disease surveillance and racial equity programming.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 22 May 2026
Mow the grass regularly, cutting off just an inch or so of grass to create clippings that will break down quickly in your compost bin.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 May 2026
Among the opening acts of World War I, Britain severed Germany’s key telegraph cables, cutting off its communications with its forces.
—Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
That includes Moscow cutting off natural gas supplies to Europe in retaliation for sanctions the West imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine.
—Jason Ma, Fortune, 17 May 2026
The judge ruled against cutting off the live feed, and Zilis’ testimony went ahead.
—David Ingram, NBC news, 15 May 2026
If no deal is reached, officials say enforcement actions could include liens on properties, legal action, andr, if necessary, service restrictions such as cutting off some or all water, including the hospitals.
—Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 15 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting off
Verb
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Hong Kong/Hangzhou — Stephen Curry announced a partnership for his signature brand with Li-Ning on Monday, ending his sneaker free agency in a major win for the Chinese sportswear giant.—
John Liu,
CNN Money,
2 June 2026
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Rasmus Hojlund confirmed last month that Napoli’s qualification for the Champions League triggered a clause which will turn his loan deal permanent, ending a three-year spell as a United player.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Verb
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The security perimeter kept demonstrators at a distance from the facility, with barricades and checkpoints separating roughly 100 protesters from the detention center.—
Adam Reiss,
NBC news,
31 May 2026
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Historical memory is hugely helpful in separating false promises from sincere innovation, and that should make living legends ideal for steadying progress.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
31 May 2026
Verb
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The latest the series can end is June 17; the shield stopping him from answering questions — not just about his past, but his present and future — is likely to stay in place.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Texas is split down the middle on which issue should take priority — stopping voter fraud or preventing eligible citizens from being turned away at the ballot box — as a poll shows the split is not a sign of moderation but of deep partisan polarization.—
Mateo Rosiles,
USA Today,
2 June 2026
Verb
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For transgender and nonbinary students, the problem can be even more isolating when products are unavailable in all-gender bathrooms.—
Gale Brewer,
New York Daily News,
28 May 2026
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These nanoparticles act like tiny chemical magnets, specifically isolating lithium from the rest of the ocean minerals.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Key indicators include clients engaging more with competitors, ceasing to credit your work in their successes, and offering delayed or forced responses to communications.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2026
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The Pennsylvania Democrat is unbowed by the intraparty criticism of his votes against ceasing the war — a position that last week proved decisive.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
18 May 2026
Verb
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And Miller has been struggling with a black issues this year, halting his development.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
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She’s done the same by halting automatic contributions to her retirement, canceling doctor’s appointments and cutting grocery items.—
Alicia Wallace,
CNN Money,
27 May 2026
Verb
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Smart power strips can help reduce energy waste by automatically shutting off devices not in use.—
Jessica Safavimehr,
Southern Living,
28 May 2026
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Tehran cemented its grip on the Strait of Hormuz; a few more tankers managed to pass through in the last few days, albeit only by either negotiating in advance with Iran, or by shutting off their transponders and racing through.—
Tim McDonnell,
semafor.com,
14 May 2026
Verb
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Among efforts—three engagements to women that ended up breaking off.—
Cathy Applefeld Olson,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
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Honduras established diplomatic ties with China in 2023 after breaking off relations with Taiwan.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cutting off.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting%20off. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
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