CUTTING BACK Synonyms: 122 Similar and Opposite Words

cutting back 1 of 2

noun

as in ungenerosity

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Dissimilar Words

cutting back

2 of 2

verb

present participle of cut back

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

as in shortening

to make less in extent or duration cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend

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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

Verb

Karen Fernandez, lead esthetician at SkinSpirit, told Byrdie the theory is to let skin rebuild its protective stratum corneum layer, and that cutting back can also help identify products causing irritation or breakouts. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026 But the serious conversations about cutting back on spending and raising taxes taking place in Europe are considerably less serious in the United States. — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 Buying Al Nassr would put RedBird at the center of Saudi Arabia’s multi-billion-dollar sports expansion, which had been on a tear before the government began cutting back on spending. — Matthew Martin, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026 That means choosing potassium-rich foods that support healthy blood pressure, like lentils and leafy greens, while cutting back on others that cardiologists recommend limiting. — Laura Bradley, HEALTH, 17 Oct. 2026 Families in this state are cutting back at the grocery store while this administration can't even track its own payroll. — Matt Schooley, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026 SurveyMonkey’s Treatonomics research found that affordable treats remain part of spending habits, including among people cutting back elsewhere. — Ashley Lynch, Kansas City Star, 9 Oct. 2026 That would allow the market to self-correct by cutting back on spending. — Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026 In drier climates, cutting back on outdoor irrigation makes a noticeable difference too. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 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

Definition of ungenerosity

Verb

Men in some communities stop shaving, while women may remove their jewelry.

— Shushan Karapetian, The Conversation, 19 Oct. 2026
Like almost winning a race, almost shaving a second off my time for the 3200m run, my event in high school, the one that got me into college, a recruit for someone else to gamble on.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

Leaves are falling, days are shortening, and there’s a chill in the air.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 30 Oct. 2026
This position causes the moonlight to pass through a denser layer of air, shortening blue and violet wavelengths and making the orange and red ones stand out — similar to a sunset.

— Dharma Niles, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026

Definition of shortening

Noun

But Vicki’s insufferable attitude is nothing compared to Lisa’s selfishness by the end of the episode.

— Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 7 Sep. 2026
Timidity dissolves into might, selfishness gives place to broad-reaching love, incompetence is replaced with obedience to God’s perfect direction.

— The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of selfishness

Verb

The plans were developed by the Department of Government Efficiency, a cost-cutting team initially overseen by billionaire Elon Musk, in response to a presidential order meant to rid the government of DEI programs.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
Following its 2015 merger, the company adopted an aggressive cost-cutting mandate that leadership reported hitting, quarter after quarter, ahead of schedule.

— Amer Al Ahbabi, Forbes.com, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of cutting

Noun

Lakers scoring phenom Luka Doncic missed his first game of the young season with back tightness, leaving a giant hole in their offense with the NBA’s leading scorer (36 points per game) sitting out.

— Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2026
Pelvic floor physical therapy may help when muscle tightness or pain is also involved.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of tightness

Verb

The Legislature has been trimming home building regulations and should continue.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
During the winter holidays, millions of people are traveling, many of whom are expected at the Thanksgiving table or tree-trimming party.

— Andrea Sachs, Washington Post, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of trimming

Noun

The Supportive Comfort Wireless Shaping Bra gives you wire-free lift with no pinching or poking.

— ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Bali Double-Support Wireless Bra The bra’s signature M-frame creates a sturdy structure that supports your chest sans underwire — thereby avoiding any digging, pinching, or poking throughout the day.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 22 Aug. 2026