whittle down
phrasal verb
whittled down; whittling down; whittles down
: to gradually make (something) smaller by removing parts
We whittled the list down to four people.
Examples of whittle down in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And while lawmakers in have whittled down on the expense, the governor says more must be done.
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025
Although the position of mayor is officially non-partisan, the race — which voters last month whittled down from a 13-candidate royal rumble to two finalists — has garnered national attention and become steeped in party politics.
—Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
The group will be whittled down to three finalists, and a public vote will be held before a winner is announced.
—Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Dec. 2025
Some Americans may have to catch up on late bills, pay back loans or whittle down debt again.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whittle down
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Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Dec. 2025
Although the position of mayor is officially non-partisan, the race — which voters last month whittled down from a 13-candidate royal rumble to two finalists — has garnered national attention and become steeped in party politics.
—Miami Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
The group will be whittled down to three finalists, and a public vote will be held before a winner is announced.
—Jenny Goldsberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Dec. 2025
Some Americans may have to catch up on late bills, pay back loans or whittle down debt again.
—Medora Lee, USA Today, 19 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for whittle down
Cite this Entry
“Whittle down.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/whittle%20down. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.
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