1
: something cut back
2
: reduction
a cutback in funding
cut back; cutting back; cuts back
: to shorten by cutting : prune
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
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
Peter Bart, Deadline, 21 June 2024
Jones noted that the severe water restrictions Southern California experienced during that drought were because of cutbacks from the State Water Project as well as long-term drying conditions on the Colorado River.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024
T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 28 June 2024
With both Gracie and Bella just a little over a year away from their high school graduation, Natalie is cutting back on her touring schedule for a while.
—Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cutback 
Noun
While the studios seem caught up in cutbacks, stories about the sports business are uniformly emblazoned with billion-dollar megadeals and lavish paychecks in the hundreds of millions.
—Peter Bart, Deadline, 21 June 2024
Jones noted that the severe water restrictions Southern California experienced during that drought were because of cutbacks from the State Water Project as well as long-term drying conditions on the Colorado River.
—Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2024
Verb
If revenue decreases continue, some doctors’ groups may have to cut back on services.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 28 June 2024
With both Gracie and Bella just a little over a year away from their high school graduation, Natalie is cutting back on her touring schedule for a while.
—Joanne Fowler, Peoplemag, 28 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for cutback
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cutback.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cutback
Cite this Entry
“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cutback
1 of 2 noun
cut·back
ˈkət-ˌbak 
: an act or instance of cutting something back
cut back
2 of 2 verbˈkət-ˈbak
1
2
: to reduce something in amount
cut back on smoking
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