whittling (down)

Definition of whittling (down)next
present participle of whittle (down)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)
Verb
  • As the war with Iran sends gas above $4 a gallon, Americans keep spending but quietly recalibrate budgets, with lower-income shoppers cutting back and economists bracing for a broader pullback once tax refunds fade.
    Anne D’Innocenzio, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026
  • And earlier this month, the CEO of discount grocery store Dollar General, Todd Vasos, revealed that the chain’s shoppers are cutting back on food and other household goods.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Maybe the best thing to happen to the Phillies was Alex Cora turning down president Dave Dombrowski’s offer to replace Thomson.
    Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 6 June 2026
  • Recently, after years of turning down offers to expand the brand, Chiva-Som recently opened its first outpost, Zulal Wellness Retreat in Qatar, focussing on family health.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Verb
  • Brunson didn’t have a good start to this game, knocking down his opening three-pointer to begin the game and going 0-of-6 from there in the first quarter.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 4 June 2026
  • That featured Sprewell scoring 35 of their 77 points and Johnson knocking down the deciding shot with 47 seconds left.
    Zach Harper, New York Times, 3 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Whittling (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittling%20%28down%29. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

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