as in shaving
to make (something) shorter or smaller with the use of a cutting instrument
the hair stylist started by lopping off several inches from her long tresses, before beginning to shape what was left
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for lopping (off)
Verb
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There wasn’t even a full question asked about the secret project using computer technology aimed at shaving fractions of a second off speedskating times to help the Americans bring home gold medals from the Milan Cortina Olympics.—
Howard Fendrich,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Feb. 2026 -
Some of the same men involved in the NBA case were also indicted earlier this month in what federal prosecutors in Pennsylvania say was a college basketball point-shaving ring.—
Mike Vorkunov,
New York Times,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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On one sequence Harding made a perfect bounce pass to a cutting Edmonds, who dunked over a West Virginia defender.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
22 Feb. 2026
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Go easy on the buffing Some people also like to buff their nails after cutting, and a light buff can promote healthy growth and increase shine.—
Andee Tagle,
NPR,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Throughout 2025, wealthy consumers maintained spending on services, while the broader consumer base became increasingly price-conscious, prioritizing smaller-ticket items and cutting back on big-ticket purchases such as electronics and furniture.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Others were made by cutting back native vegetation to widen existing walking paths.—
Ashley Mackin Solomon,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Rather than trimming the beans individually, do it in batches.—
Riley Wofford,
Martha Stewart,
21 Feb. 2026
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Often the hedge is full enough with healthy limbs to grow shoots that fill voids left from trimming.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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As tariffs provoke backlash and global trade uncertainty, markets for Texas exports have been curtailed, clipping the wings of our economy.—
Eleanor Dearman,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Feb. 2026
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Mulching grass clipping and leaves through your mower will return organic matter to your lawn.—
Chris McKeown,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
14 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Lopping (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/lopping%20%28off%29. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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