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
It’s told from the perspective of a man who, ten years after cutting off his parents, reflects on their lives and on his upbringing.
—
Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting off research funding from the campuses.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
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
Nina Mesfin, New Yorker, 7 June 2026
The White House has doubled down on battles with Harvard and UCLA after federal judges blocked the administration from cutting off research funding from the campuses.
—ABC News, 4 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting off
Verb
-
That James left Northeast Ohio without ending Cleveland’s excruciating championship drought—the city hadn’t won a major pro sports title since 1964—added to the furor.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
9 June 2026
-
Like Danault, wingers Corey Perry and Warren Foegele were also dealt for draft picks, while Fiala and Kuzmenko sustained season-ending injuries in February.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
9 June 2026
Verb
-
Storm forecasts on the horizon Hundreds or even thousands of shooting stars may be seen burning through Earth's skies each hour during one of these intense meteor storm events, though the distance separating micrometeoroids in space would still likely be measured on the order of miles.—
Anthony Wood,
Space.com,
7 June 2026
-
Every month, the site drops new fashion finds, but for the untrained eye, separating the newness from the nostalgia is no small feat.—
Annie Blackman,
InStyle,
6 June 2026
Verb
-
Bussi got the nod after stopping 18 of 19 shots in relief of Andersen in Game 3 in the third period and two overtimes.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
10 June 2026
-
Afterward, locals recommend stopping at Lake Hollywood Park for fresh fruit topped with Tajín and chamoy.—
Alia Beard Rau,
USA Today,
10 June 2026
Verb
-
Being in this soundstage on this massive studio lot that was quite empty, in and of itself, felt a little bit isolating and a little bit sad.—
Carita Rizzo,
Deadline,
1 June 2026
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Protect your energy without isolating yourself.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
28 May 2026
Verb
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While this weekend was about celebration, the recent announcement that another USL SL club, the Spokane Zephyr, is ceasing operations after just two seasons, put the overall plans for the league’s growth in question.—
Tamerra Griffin,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
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Determined to focus on peace The ceasefire is looking a little more firing and a little less ceasing this morning.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
28 May 2026
Verb
-
The court had ruled in favor of the attorneys’ clients, halting the deportation of three family members from India, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, and the disciplinary ruling did not alter that November decision.—
Grace Toohey,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2026
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However, the discomfort returned shortly after, halting his progress.—
Charlotte Varnes,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Verb
-
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
-
Among efforts—three engagements to women that ended up breaking off.—
Cathy Applefeld Olson,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2026
-
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 10 Jun. 2026.
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