as in to cut down
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Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittle (down)
Verb
-
When the mood is gloomy, people tend to cut back on travel, dining out and big purchases.—
Staff reports,
USA Today,
7 June 2026 -
Rolling the dice As insurance costs climb, many homeowners are postponing major life decisions and cutting back elsewhere.—
Ashley Miznazi,
Miami Herald,
6 June 2026
Verb
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When child care becomes too expensive or difficult to find, some parents turn down job-advancement opportunities, reduce their hours or leave the workforce entirely.—
Théoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
10 June 2026
-
Aguirre turned down a four-year contract offer from the FMF to remain as Mexico’s coach.—
Scott M. Reid,
Oc Register,
10 June 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 Jun. 2026.
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