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

For most people, this spot isn’t cleaned as often, but for those who do feel the need to add this area into your weekly dusting routine, Hernandez recommends cutting back. — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026 Beef sales fell in the 13 weeks leading up to mid-July, with consumers cutting back on eating out or opting for cheaper proteins, Bloomberg reported. — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026 Schmidt said cutting back agricultural water use is not going to be easy. — Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026 The plant cannot be turned off during periods of high solar power production, so the state ends up cutting back on its solar power or giving it away for free, said Mark Jacobson, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Stanford. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Higher-income Americans typically aren't the ones cutting back on groceries to afford their travels, for example. — Kamaron McNair, CNBC, 13 Aug. 2026 If most of the films fall short of profit, what’s to stop a studio from cutting back on supply and cost? — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 9 Aug. 2026 The higher cost of living has about 25% of shoppers cutting back on spending this year, based on the online survey of 582 parents. — Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 6 Aug. 2026 Leaving some long vines and cutting back others creates a fuller effect. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 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

The 23-year-old and his Serbia team-mates won the Davis Cup for the first time in December 2010, and fulfilled a promise by shaving their heads in celebration.

— Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Go bananas with shaving cream Have your kids hop into a dry bathtub with their swimsuit on.

— Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of shaving

Verb

All of this can lead to higher repair costs, not to mention shortening your vehicle’s lifespan.

— Molly Burford, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
By shortening the standard settlement cycle from two business days to one, the industry aims to reduce risk and improve the use of capital and resources.

— Federico Sendra, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of shortening

Noun

Cook argues this creates an unintentional selfishness, in which your anxious thoughts distract you from noticing what’s actually going on with the people around you.

— Hannah Harper, HEALTH, 14 Aug. 2026
Sieler’s selfishness, in this sense his ability to get sacks himself, might be best for the team.

— Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of selfishness

Verb

Furthermore, Bailey stated that simply not cutting rates already constitutes monetary policy tightening.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
Enacting a solution is liable to be a significant political battle, likely involving cutting benefits for some Americans or raising taxes on higher earners, or both.

— Ashley Lopez, NPR, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of cutting

Noun

Chase DeLauter, slowed this week by left hamstring tightness, sparked the winning rally with a one-out single off reliever Ryan Watson (1-1) in the ninth.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Summary The Toronto Blue Jays are grappling with persistent injuries, as infielder Andres Gimenez left Thursday's game with hamstring tightness, further expanding their lengthy injury list.

— Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of tightness

Verb

The first came on a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Ko Kieft, trimming Tampa Bay’s deficit to 9-7 with just under seven minutes to play in the quarter.

— Rick Stroud, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
This relaxed-but-polished organic cotton sweater has a classic crew neckline and ribbed trimming to elevate the look.

— Kaitlin Marks, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of trimming

Noun

Why Perennials Need Pruning Flowers-Kimmerle explains that deadheading, pinching, and cutting back are all forms of perennial pruning.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026
Avoid the inevitable pinching and riding up by opting for a more sophisticated silhouette, like the Willit Tailored Linen Shorts.

— Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 1 Aug. 2026