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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But now, federal prosecutors say Hennen is the fixer behind the biggest point-shaving scandal in history, accused of bribing 39 college players, corrupting 17 programs and fixing — or trying fix — 29 games to enrich himself and other gamblers.—
Andy Sheehan,
CBS News,
26 Jan. 2026 -
This matters especially for risky creative choices — Stone shaving her head for Bugonia, Jordan playing twins in Sinners, Hawke embodying the rapid-fire wit of Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon.—
Hannah Abraham,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Although the Jayhawks led by as many as 21 points, BYU stayed within striking distance in the second half, cutting the lead to six as the clock ticked under two minutes to go.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
1 Feb. 2026
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There were cancellations and delays, with the Department of Transportation cutting flights due to safety concerns.—
Caitlin Yilek,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Some school districts are already calling for e-learning on Friday, and trains across the city are cutting back on service.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026
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While low-income shoppers are cutting back on spending, high earners keep infusing the economy with their cash, fueled by stock and real estate gains.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Georgia continues to find some rhythm offensively, trimming the lead to 14 at the third media timeout.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
31 Jan. 2026
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City officials are now considering trimming or removing trees near the fields to improve visibility and reduce glare.—
Nina Burns,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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However, there was still a lot of work to do, and with Mitchell clipping at his heels, the 18-year-old showed excellent composure to keep him at bay before planting a clinical shot past Dean Henderson.—
Tom Burrows,
New York Times,
26 Jan. 2026
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Treatment typically starts with clipping the fur around the injury, cleaning the area and, if needed, suturing the skin.—
Miriam Fauzia,
Dallas Morning News,
21 Jan. 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 2 Feb. 2026.
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