as in to cut down
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittle (down)
Verb
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Its forecast for profit in the current quarter fell short of analysts' expectations as an industrywide shortage of memory pushes some handset makers to cut back on orders.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026 -
Throughout 2025, wealthy consumers maintained spending on services, while the broader consumer base became increasingly price-conscious, prioritizing smaller-ticket items and cutting back on big-ticket purchases such as electronics and furniture.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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But the court turned down the appeal in a one-line order with no explanation.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
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When asked about the best techniques for defusing tense encounters while still maintaining the right to protect, civil rights advocates in Connecticut are generally recommending online training in turning down the heat on face-to-face encounters with ICE agents or counter-protestors.—
Don Stacom,
Hartford Courant,
3 Feb. 2026
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“Whittle (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittle%20%28down%29. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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