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
Relevance
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
as in ungenerosity
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting back
Verb
-
Exposure to direct sunlight or high temperatures can cause squash to ripen too quickly, shortening its shelf life.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
5 Jan. 2025 -
One of the most difficult parts of wedding planning is shortening the guest list.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
People.com,
30 Dec. 2024
Noun
-
Years after graduation, the harsh reality of the New York art scene sets in, and Willow’s selfishness becomes more and more apparent.—
Lizz Schumer,
People.com,
24 June 2025
-
Are his words out of greed and selfishness or to better lives?—
Laura Tillman,
Hartford Courant,
16 June 2025
Verb
-
Melissa Joan Hart is showing off her impressive beard-trimming skills!—
Gil Macias,
People.com,
6 Jan. 2025
-
The couple can be seen having a blast as Hart took the clippers and started trimming Wilkerson's beard in various ways, eventually splitting it into three long strands.—
Gil Macias,
People.com,
6 Jan. 2025
Verb
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And the itemizing of it, breaking it up, short form, the clipping it out.—
Mike Ryan,
IndieWire,
18 Dec. 2024
-
In Don’t Look Back, Bob is reading in a newspaper clipping about himself.—
Seth Abramovitch,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Dec. 2024
Noun
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In an era of a tough economy, unconventional ties bring humor and lighten the mood.—
Kristopher Fraser,
Robb Report,
20 June 2025
-
Iran appears to be rushing to export oil as Israel’s military assault threatens a crucial sector of its economy.—
J.D. Capelouto,
semafor.com,
20 June 2025
Noun
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In response, Senate Republicans and the White House are cooking up alternative proposals to major sections in order to reach their budget savings goals and meet other promises while keeping anxious caucus members in their herd.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
29 June 2025
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The sale features deals on outdoor party essentials, including grills – a must-have for any Independence Day celebration – and savings on patio furniture.—
Nora Colomer
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
28 June 2025
Noun
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Silver—or silverplate—items are always worth browsing for at the thrift store, says Ellie Christopher.—
Sarah Lyon,
Southern Living,
27 June 2025
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From left: Alexis Hadley's $2 thrift store painting; and the message on the back.—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Noun
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No act of parsimony shrinks the size of government either.—
John Tamny,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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Parsimony For The Prudent The principle of parsimony is a key tenet of business success that prudent entrepreneurs can apply in many areas, including data gathering.—
Julius Černiauskas,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cutting back.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cutting%20back. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
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