whittle (down)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittle (down)
Verb
  • Speaking of heat, cut back on the hot sauce if this is a little too much for your tastes.
    Mary Claire Britton, Southern Living, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Just as in 2025, P&G’s last venture to cut back was prompted by a slowdown in its sales.
    Alexander Coolidge, Cincinnati Enquirer, 14 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Some college chapters of the Democratic and Republican parties are trying to turn down the temperature on discourse surrounding Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk's assassination, as several groups across the country issued joint statements condemning the attack and calling for non-violence.
    Grace Sandman, ABC News, 14 Sep. 2025
  • There’s a reason Jones signed this offseason with San Francisco on a two-year deal, even after turning down bigger offers elsewhere.
    Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Sep. 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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Whittle (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittle%20%28down%29. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!