whittle (down)

verb

Definition of whittle (down)next
as in to cut down

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittle (down)
  1. cut down
  2. cut back
  3. turn down
Verb
  • If the war does indeed come to an end and oil keeps falling, Warsh might get breathing room for rate cuts down the line.
    — Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 16 June 2026
  • Courtesy of the Abu Haikal family Haikal said his family’s own homes have been targeted in settler attacks, including having stones thrown at their home, their crops destroyed, trees cut down and property stolen.
    — Chantal Da Silva, NBC news, 16 June 2026
Definition of cut down
Verb
  • But sharp increases in the cost of folders, pencils and other products have forced her to cut back and search for cheaper alternatives.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 22 Aug. 2026
  • For most people, this spot isn’t cleaned as often, but for those who do feel the need to add this area into your weekly dusting routine, Hernandez recommends cutting back.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut back
Verb
  • Namely, the singer turned down the Presidential Medal of Freedom – widely considered the government's highest civilian honor – multiple times.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • On the right wing, Liverpool are targeting Yankuba Minteh — bids of £50million and £60m have been turned down by Brighton & Hove Albion — but have other options if a deal cannot be done.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of turn down
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.

Browse Nearby Words

whittled (down)
whittle (down)
whittles
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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 29 Aug. 2026.

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