CUTTING IT Synonyms: 23 Similar and Opposite Words

cutting it

phrase

present participle of cut it

as in making it

to reach a desired level of accomplishment He couldn't cut it as an actor, so went into journalism instead.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 it Making every other drink a lower-cost nonalcoholic option can make a night out meaningfully cheaper without cutting it short. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Aug. 2026 While a dry manicure is often confused with a Russian manicure, The Shade’s approach is rooted in the long-term sustainability of the nail, maintaining the nail bed and exfoliating the skin around the nail rather than aggressively cutting it back. — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026 Chronically cutting it short has consequences for cognition, mood, metabolism and long-term health. — Renée Onque, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026 Murakami's lofted his team-leading 26th homer off the left-field foul pole off Williams with one out in the sixth, cutting it to 2-1. — CBS News, 9 Aug. 2026 The night hadn’t started with any intention of cutting it close. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 27 July 2026 When taking cuttings for propagation, Gifford recommends selecting a healthy, non-flowering stem and cutting it just below a node. — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 July 2026 According to Levine, no attempt should be made to remove the venom yourself, whether by sucking on the wound or cutting it. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 7 July 2026 In one of the side plots to The Lord of the Rings, two of the Hobbits attempt to rouse Treebeard—a wise but ponderous sentient tree—to defend his forest from an army that is cutting it down. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 1 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cutting it

Phrase

News stories and songs in the genre are making it onto more radars now, thanks to social media and evolving tastes.

— Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Its wheelbase and overall dimensions are larger than the Eagle's, making it a tad more accommodating for bigger riders.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of making it

Phrase

Tod’s is getting ahead of the game, launching Digital Product Passports on its website with the help of Renoon, which is specializing in helping companies meet upcoming regulatory requirements.

— Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 Aug. 2026
Here's what scientists currently know so far, and where the hype may be getting ahead of the evidence.

— Daryl Austin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of getting ahead

Phrase

Slap added that the registry could help make post-secondary education more accessible by making good information widely available to prospective students in the state.

— Kat Ramkumar, Hartford Courant, 9 Aug. 2026
Real readiness comes from time behind the wheel, merging into fast-moving lanes, reacting to other drivers’ mistakes and making good decisions when conditions are less than ideal.

— David Etue, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026