as in to cut down
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittle (down)
Verb
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This jolt is compounded by existing worries over higher costs for everyday goods and risks causing consumers to cut back on discretionary spending.—
Boston Herald Wire Services,
Boston Herald,
29 Mar. 2026 -
The conflict has caused financial strain, forcing families to cut back on spending and postpone major plans.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
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All 15 appeals were turned down by city officials.—
Deborah Laverty,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Apr. 2026
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Some also favor turning down the heat and simmering eggs.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
2 Apr. 2026
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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 3 Apr. 2026.
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