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
  • Another $13 million will be saved mostly by cutting back on contractors from professional services firms and backfilling some roles with its own staff.
    — Daniela Sirtori, Fortune, 9 July 2026
  • That could mean cutting back on driving, if that's an option for you.
    — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 9 July 2026
Definition of cut back
Verb
  • The volume of this beautiful, chaotic music is slowly being turned down.
    — Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026
  • Ricco Ross, who played Private Frost in Aliens, nearly turned down the role for an opportunity to be in Full Metal Jacket, the actor, 68, revealed at Big Lick Comic Con NOVA in 2026, per ComingSoon.
    — Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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