Definitions

scale back

VERB

downsize

Synonyms

STRONGEST

curtail cut back cut down diminish phase out reduce retrench scale down shrink trim

STRONG

cut decrease deduct

WEAK

phase down roll back roll down step down trim away tune down

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge expand extend grow increase lengthen prolong

STRONG

add raise

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.

"It's important to Nato, it's important to Britain that we...demonstrate the sort of leadership that's required from within the European Nato as the US starts to scale back its contribution," he said.

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2026

Temperatures climbed into the 90s with heat indices exceeding 100 degrees, forcing organizers to scale back outdoor programming, expand cooling stations and urge visitors to take frequent breaks.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2026

“Meanwhile, ETFs like Roundhill may be forced to scale back positions in other memory companies” to make room for Hynix, he added.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 25, 2026

Crowley and the union said city leaders had forced the department to scale back its operations amid a budget crunch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 23, 2026

I tried to put the scale back together as best I could, managing to at least fit all the parts back inside and pound the frame back into a rough semblance of its previous shape.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam

scale back

Example Sentences

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