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.

Victoria’s Secret and Pink have started to show share gains even as they scale back on promotions, he noted.

From Barron's • May 13, 2026

She also called for the city to scale back its use of “private surveillance” technology, such as Flock license plate readers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

The prospect of a brief cease-fire comes as Russia is planning to scale back an annual May 9 Victory Day parade—and withhold the traditional display of military hardware.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

“It is time for us to maybe scale back on this government or PIF spending…and to let the private sector come in and start investing,” said the minister, who was later replaced.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 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

Related Words