as in ungenerosity
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
1
as in shaving
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
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in shortening
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 cutting back
Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026
Even consumers who can afford to spend are anxious and cutting back on nonessential purchases, leaving many businesses empty.
—Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026
An April Numerator survey of car owners found 93% said gas prices rose in their area last month, and 72% reported cutting back on other spending to cover increases at the pump.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 12 May 2026
For people wondering how to avoid microplastics, experts say one of the smartest moves is simply cutting back on unnecessary plastic use.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Most Dianthus plants can remain somewhat evergreen throughout the winter and nothing is gained by cutting back in the fall.
—Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Lower-income families and communities of color are disproportionately facing hardships and more likely to be facing imminent financial insecurity, including falling behind on bills or cutting back on food.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Renewal pruning is another beneficial technique—cutting back overgrown stems to remove barriers preventing light from reaching inner branches.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Ailing Spirit Airlines had been on a roller-coast ride for a couple of years, adding flights and cutting back, sometimes at the same time.
—Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
Verb
Ariel is not the only institution cutting back on its Sphere exposure.
—Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026
Even consumers who can afford to spend are anxious and cutting back on nonessential purchases, leaving many businesses empty.
—Malak Harb, Fortune, 15 May 2026
An April Numerator survey of car owners found 93% said gas prices rose in their area last month, and 72% reported cutting back on other spending to cover increases at the pump.
—Rachel Barber, USA Today, 12 May 2026
For people wondering how to avoid microplastics, experts say one of the smartest moves is simply cutting back on unnecessary plastic use.
—Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
Most Dianthus plants can remain somewhat evergreen throughout the winter and nothing is gained by cutting back in the fall.
—Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 9 May 2026
Lower-income families and communities of color are disproportionately facing hardships and more likely to be facing imminent financial insecurity, including falling behind on bills or cutting back on food.
—James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2026
Renewal pruning is another beneficial technique—cutting back overgrown stems to remove barriers preventing light from reaching inner branches.
—Emily Leahy, Hartford Courant, 3 May 2026
Ailing Spirit Airlines had been on a roller-coast ride for a couple of years, adding flights and cutting back, sometimes at the same time.
—Miami Herald, 2 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting back
Noun
-
What Warren fails to recognize is that the formula of progress that dictates these measures also dictates that they will someday be regarded as the ungenerosity of a primitive people.—
Greg Weiner,
National Review,
26 Sep. 2019
Verb
-
In practical terms, that is roughly a 1–2 percent reduction in total mission velocity change, which is the equivalent of shaving a few liters off every hundred liters in a long-distance road trip.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
17 May 2026
-
Gonce's daily life revolves around caring for Jason — administering medicine, preparing food, bathing and shaving him and keeping him safe.—
Mike Hixenbaugh,
NBC news,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
The Active Transportation Commission’s meetings are capped at 2½ hours, though staff have recommended shortening them to two hours, Gonzalez said.—
Sacbee.com,
Sacbee.com,
19 May 2026
-
Walmart is converting empty stores into delivery hubs, further shortening the last mile between the retailer and the consumer.—
Glenn Taylor,
Footwear News,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
The adjectives used to describe vampire Lucy suggest monstrous selfishness.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 May 2026
-
Our policies have been defined more by optimism and generosity than by selfishness and cynicism.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Levu remained hot, banging home an RBI single in the bottom of the third, cutting the deficit by a run.—
Jack Vita,
Chicago Tribune,
24 May 2026
-
Upon arrival, crews immediately began cutting holes in the roof for ventilation and took an offensive approach to battling the flames.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
Schanuel exited after his hit with left calf tightness.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
The 6-foot-6 wing exited Game 2 with tightness in his left hamstring.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
22 May 2026
Verb
-
Then Pages drove him in by roping his own double into the left-field corner, trimming the Brewers’ lead to two runs.—
Maddie Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2026
-
To prevent groundhogs, make your yard less inviting by securing trash, trimming brush, and fencing your garden.—
Helena Madden,
Martha Stewart,
23 May 2026
Noun
-
The bra’s signature M frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, and poking throughout the day.—
Clara McMahon,
PEOPLE,
10 May 2026
-
The result is a weeknight-friendly meal with no need for folding and pinching.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cutting back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting%20back. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
