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.

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 company said it plans to cut jobs and scale back its U.S. manufacturing operation as it determines a path forward.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

Porsche last year said it would scale back its EV ambitions following the slow uptake of the technology and instead expand its lineup with more gas-powered and plug-in hybrid models.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 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

Several months after Barack’s announcement in Springfield and with the support of my colleagues, I’d decided to scale back to part-time hours, knowing it was the only sustainable way to keep going.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

scale back

Example Sentences

Related Words