whittle (down)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittle (down)
Verb
  • For example, a business might choose to cut down on flights by grouping client visits into one trip rather than going back and forth to the same area.
    Egor Karpovich, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Water heating is typically the second-highest use of energy in a home, so taking colder showers could help cut down your electric bill.
    Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • Consumers especially have been cutting back on discretionary purchases, such as recreational services, travel and dining out.
    Paul Davidson, USA Today, 13 July 2025
  • When at 5 feet podocarpus don’t seem to mind being cut back to the same height at each pruning.
    Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Many developers may decide to turn down new projects rather than trying to race against the regulatory clock.
    Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 20 July 2025
  • People with narcissistic behaviors need that attention, Pullan says, and making sure someone like Trump feels heard can help turn down the pressure in a conversation.
    Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 16 July 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Whittle (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittle%20%28down%29. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.

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