cutback

1 of 2

noun

cut·back ˈkət-ˌbak

Synonyms of cutback

: something cut back

: 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

: to interrupt the sequence of a plot (as of a movie) by introducing events prior to those last presented

: cut down

cut back on sugar

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

So why did Netflix, which is still throwing off a good chunk of change, this week lay off around 1,000 employees — its biggest cutback to date? — Todd Spangler, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026 Staff cutbacks also resulted in the agency reducing weather balloonsused to gather data fishermen rely on. — Patrick Whittle, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2026

Verb

That means choosing potassium-rich foods that support healthy blood pressure, like lentils and leafy greens, while cutting back on others that cardiologists recommend limiting. — Laura Bradley, HEALTH, 17 Oct. 2026 His cancer journey has mostly remained under wraps, but in December 2025, Charles revealed that his treatment would be cut back in 2026. — Allison Degrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 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

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

cutaway

cutback

cut back

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cutback

1 of 2 noun

cut·back ˈkət-ˌbak

: an act or instance of cutting something back

cut back

2 of 2 verb

ˈkət-ˈbak

: prune entry 2 sense 2

: prune entry 2 sense 2a

: to reduce something in amount

cut back on smoking

cutback

noun

verb

Synonyms of cutback

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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cutback

noun

verb

Synonyms of cutback

Examples of cutback in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for cutback

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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