Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

cut-throat

British  

noun

  1. a person who cuts throats; murderer

  2. US name: straight razor.  Also called: cut-throat razor.  a razor with a long blade that usually folds into the handle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. bloodthirsty or murderous; cruel

  2. fierce or relentless in competition

    cut-throat prices

  3. (of some games) played by three people

    cut-throat poker

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

So money is fleeing from software—a sector populated by public companies with traditionally high margins and deep moats—to AI model providers, an area dominated by lossmaking private companies engaged in cut-throat competition.

From Barron's • Feb. 3, 2026

But with the rise of streaming, the popularity of high-end home cinema equipment, as well as cut-throat competition from deep-pocketed multiplex chains, the independents are facing an existential crisis.

From Barron's • Nov. 29, 2025

Britain's Cameron Norrie - schooled in the cut-throat world of the US college system - also does not find a lack of an apology rude.

From BBC • Sep. 3, 2025

It is such a tough environment - cut-throat, really difficult.

From BBC • Aug. 23, 2025

He closed the cut-throat razor, put it down on the side of the sink, dabbed at his tiny cut with a toilet paper swab.

From "American Gods" by Neil Gaiman