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
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
Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The cutback affects trains 520, 526, 534, 531, 537, 736 and 737, Padgette said.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The liver’s whole function is detoxification anyway and the most effective ways to support that are more about cutting back on alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cutback
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Noun
While capital cutbacks have become tangible in the past year, sentiment in the sector isn’t all bad.
—Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
The cutback affects trains 520, 526, 534, 531, 537, 736 and 737, Padgette said.
—Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 26 Jan. 2026
Verb
Leading PhD programs across the nation are cutting back their admission of new students.
—Michael T. Nietzel, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
The liver’s whole function is detoxification anyway and the most effective ways to support that are more about cutting back on alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a balanced diet.
—Beatrice Zocchi, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cutback
Cite this Entry
“Cutback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cutback. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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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