as in cuts
to cause to diminish gradually by or as if by cutting off bits with a knife
He was sitting on the porch, whittling a stick.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of whittles
Specifically, retinol smooths fine lines, lessens wrinkle depth, and whittles the appearance of large pores.
—
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Throughout the regular season, the league evaluates those 70 people and whittles the larger list down to the top 40 (20 referees paired with 20 linespeople).
—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Typically, Cameron whittles his selections for each part down to five or six actors based on recommendations and audition tapes, and not only meets with them but tries to create some of the circumstances that will be replicated on set.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
22 Dec. 2025
Sophie Wirt,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Throughout the regular season, the league evaluates those 70 people and whittles the larger list down to the top 40 (20 referees paired with 20 linespeople).
—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Typically, Cameron whittles his selections for each part down to five or six actors based on recommendations and audition tapes, and not only meets with them but tries to create some of the circumstances that will be replicated on set.
—
Jim Hemphill,
IndieWire,
22 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittles
Verb
-
For example, a recent study found that remote workers coming to the office one day a month increases productivity by 8% and cuts attrition by a third while boosting job satisfaction and improving communication.
-
Costa to the rescue once again in the 67th minute as Jhon Arias cuts inside from the right and plays it back wide to Santiago Arias.
Verb
-
This compact tote folds into a small pouch that clips directly onto your keys and expands into a functional bag when needed.
-
Joe Rodon clips a pass over the top of the Brentford defence for Calvert-Lewin to contest.
Verb
-
This includes soluble fiber, which increases healthy gut bacteria and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and insoluble fiber, which improves bowel health, says Howman.
-
That lowers the chance of landing on a fake claim page built to steal your information.
Verb
-
In its fifth and final season, The Bear pares itself back.
-
Designed by Sam Burch Architects, the house takes a familiar Mediterranean look and pares it back, using the natural setting to do alot of the heavy lifting.
Verb
-
The meeting where energy drops when a certain person walks in.
-
Part thriller, part horror experience and part interactive film, Unhinged drops players into the middle of a Category 5 hurricane bearing down on South Carolina.
Verb
-
India’s neighbors are seeking additional fuel from New Delhi as the war in the Middle East curtails access to energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, giving Asia’s third-largest economy an opportunity to build goodwill across the region.
-
Advertisement The court's decision not only curtails a policy Trump has repeatedly credited with strengthening American leverage abroad, but also carries major financial and legal consequences.
Verb
-
Unfiltered water, Adams insists, leads to sediment buildup in your water heater, which shortens its lifespan and lessens its heating efficiency.
-
But for patients who don’t mind the idea of letting a tiny robot into their mouth, there may be a new approach that shortens and simplifies the overall process.
Verb
-
Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, reduces joint wear and lowers the risk of sports injuries, according to Cleveland Clinic.
-
Skipping the stove and oven also reduces indoor heat, so lean on cold sandwiches, salads and no-cook meals during the worst hours.
Cite this Entry
“Whittles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittles. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
