cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
Synonyms of cutbacknext
1
: something cut back
2
: reduction
a cutback in funding

cut back

2 of 2

verb

cut back; cutting back; cuts back

transitive verb

: to shorten by cutting : prune

intransitive verb

1
: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented
2
: cut down
cut back on sugar

Synonyms of cutback

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Verb

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Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Verb we need to cut back the bushes a bit so that the house number is visible from the street cut back the meeting so everyone could leave early for the long weekend
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Kelce caught a pass from rookie quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, then had a sweet cutback move that made Seattle cornerback Trevon Diggs miss. — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 29 Aug. 2026 His understanding with Shaw was clear, finding his overlapping runs twice for cutback crosses. — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026
Verb
Continue reading … SOBER CURIOUS – GLP-1 boom could reshape restaurant bars as diners cut back on alcohol. — FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The Polish government has defended its decision to cut back aid to Ukrainian refugees. — ABC News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cutback

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1850, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1611, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of cutback was circa 1611

Rhymes for cutback

See All Rhymes for cutback

Browse Nearby Words

cutaway
cutback
cut back
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun
cut·​back ˈkət-ˌbak How to pronounce cutback (audio)
: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb
ˈkət-ˈbak
1
a
: prune entry 2 sense 2
b
: prune entry 2 sense 2a
2
: to reduce something in amount
cut back on smoking
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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