WHITTLES Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

whittles

verb

present tense third-person singular of whittle

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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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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittles

Verb

Thirteen are rated at very high risk or in default, and 23 have no rating from the big agencies, which cuts them from international bond markets.

— Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Jim believes that cuts against the bearish argument that AI compute investments are out of control, with uncertain returns.

— Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of cuts

Verb

All of my essentials are packed in my Stowaway, which clips into my weekender as a bag organizer, and can clip out to be worn on its own as a crossbody when walking around during the day or as a clutch when going out in the evening.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 16 July 2026
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

Definition of clips

Verb

Reducing the administrative work required to deliver care lowers the cost of delivering it.

— Bill Miller, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026
The resulting walk-away safe design prevents fuel meltdowns by basic physical principles, which significantly lowers manufacturing costs and trims regulatory hurdles.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of lowers

Verb

The percentage of those in the trades 5 years after completing an apprenticeship or postsecondary education drops to 29% and 34% respectively.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
When the puck drops, be ready with Betr and their offer of $200 in bonus bets for tonight’s game with promo code FOXNEWS.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of drops

Verb

Mechanical recycling shortens cotton fibers, and the company recommends combining them with carrier fibers to maintain the quality and performance of finished textiles.

— Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Hot water can cause shrinking, fraying, and pilling, which shortens the lifespan of your towels.

— Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Sep. 2026