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.

Instead, they appear to scale back their visual capabilities once they no longer need to search for animals from the air.

From Science Daily • Jun. 2, 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

Granted that cease-fire still has the Strait of Hormuz blocked up, and fuel consumers are beginning to act: airlines including Lufthansa are reducing flights as petrochemical producers in Asia begin to scale back operations.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 22, 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

The European Community had already begun to scale back sanctions.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

scale back

Example Sentences

Related Words