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Definitions

cut short

VERB
stop earlier than intended
Synonyms
STRONGEST
abort break off curtail halt hinder interrupt postpone quit shorten terminate
WEAK
abbreviate abridge break short bring to an end check checkmate clip diminish end finish freeze intercept leave unfinished put a stop to stop stop cold stop dead stop short
Antonyms
STRONGEST
begin continue do forward increase lengthen persevere push start
WEAK
prolong

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In 2015, Justin Bieber cut short a televised concert in Oslo after just one song, over a concern for his health and safety.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

Francesca and Michaela’s upcoming hero romance has been in motion for some time and promises to grant queerness a front-and-center visibility that was cut short when Benedict ended his romance with Lady Tilley and Paul.

From Salon • Mar. 4, 2026

Historically, Iran’s Mehrabad airport in Tehran was emerging as a global hub connecting East and West in the 1970s, but that trajectory cut short by the Iranian Revolution, Harteveldt said.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 28, 2026

Soon after learning of the court’s decision, Trump cut short a question-and-answer session with governors and left the room.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

They all laughed, but it was cut short once someone shouted out, “Five oh!”

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.