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 back
  2. turn down
Verb
  • An April survey of 300 GLP-1 users by the equity research firm William Blair found that 72% were specifically cutting back on hamburgers.
    — Hallie Jackson, NBC news, 19 July 2026
  • The ball is cut back to the Lazio man, who meets it first time with a right-foot shot into the bottom corner.
    — Adam Hurrey, New York Times, 17 July 2026
Definition of cut back
Verb
  • Manchester City have reached an agreement to sign Mishel Nduka after the midfield prospect turned down a new deal with Arsenal.
    — David Ornstein, New York Times, 21 July 2026
  • Sami previously discussed tensions with her father on an April 1 episode of Denise Richards & Her Wild Things, after apparently turning down an opportunity to join him for lunch.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 20 July 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 23 Jul. 2026.

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