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.
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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
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Patrick Stewart, leader of the city’s library foundation, said Friday that cuts to libraries dramatically affect neighborhoods partly because libraries host so many cultural events.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 June 2026
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Full-back Max Arfsten drifts into the space that Pulisic has just vacated, while Tim Ream cuts inside and finds him with a direct pass, providing the platform for a quick attack.—
Thom Harris,
New York Times,
5 June 2026
Verb
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This compact tote folds into a small pouch that clips directly onto your keys and expands into a functional bag when needed.—
Corein Carter,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2026
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Joe Rodon clips a pass over the top of the Brentford defence for Calvert-Lewin to contest.—
Beren Cross,
New York Times,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Start meetings with a simple agenda and a quick check on priorities, since smooth structure lowers stress and invites real teamwork.—
Tarot.com,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2026
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The two-story family room features a sunken conversation area that lowers occupants to garden level, enhancing the sense of connection to the landscape and instilling a sense of intimacy within the open plan.—
Fred Albert,
Forbes.com,
6 June 2026
Verb
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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.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
6 Apr. 2026
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Marvel Avengers Expansion Impressions The biggest strength of the Marvel Multiverse Role Playing Game expansions continues to be succinct writing that pares down decades of comic book history into a short but informative chapter.—
Rob Wieland,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The gas in your stomach expands as the pressure drops, leaving you bloated.—
Ryan Brennan,
Charlotte Observer,
12 June 2026
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The cost of trying a new idea drops to almost nothing in the same move.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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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.—
Swati Gupta,
Bloomberg,
13 Mar. 2026
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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.—
Nik Popli,
Time,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Because the 49ers abd Rams play on the NFL’s first Thursday Night Football game, that shortens Kittle’s runway.—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
4 June 2026
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Clearing out clogs helps the machine run more efficiently, reduces wear and tear, and shortens drying times.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 May 2026
Verb
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The future demands a neutral, interoperable and intelligent global trade infrastructure that reduces friction, expands inclusion and restores trust across borders.—
Meelan Gupta,
Forbes.com,
11 June 2026
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Unplugging protects against power surges and reduces fire hazards.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Whittles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittles. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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