whittling (down)

verb

Definition of whittling (down)next
present participle of whittle (down)
as in cutting down

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)
  1. cutting back
  2. turning down
  3. knocking down
Verb
  • After cutting back foliage and cleaning the bulbs, cure them by air-drying them in a warm, dry spot.
    — Abby Monteil, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Karen Fernandez, lead esthetician at SkinSpirit, told Byrdie the theory is to let skin rebuild its protective stratum corneum layer, and that cutting back can also help identify products causing irritation or breakouts.
    — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of cutting back
Verb
  • After 12 years, three standalone movies and a holiday special, Amanda Seyfried appears to have no regrets turning down a Guardians of the Galaxy lead role.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2026
  • John only found peace by giving up the ring, turning down the gig, and forging his own path.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of turning down
Verb
  • Last week, Ukraine ran out of Patriot interceptors – one of the few defensive weapons capable of knocking down a ballistic missile – leaving it far more vulnerable to Russian attacks.
    — Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As a nation, the United States is moving toward knocking down longstanding walls separating religion and government, often ruling in favor of expanding the rights of religious groups.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of knocking down
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.

Browse Nearby Words

whittling
whittling (down)
whiz
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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 4 Nov. 2026.

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