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
  • While many breweries are indeed closing or cutting back, some more expansive taprooms with food options — including 30hop and Big Grove Brewery — are making a splash in the metro.
    — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 5 Oct. 2026
  • That would allow the market to self-correct by cutting back on spending.
    — Taylor Millard, The Washington Examiner, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of cutting back
Verb
  • The woman accused of keeping him captive, 58-year-old Kimberly Sullivan, is expected to head to trial after turning down two plea deals during a hearing in Waterbury Superior Court earlier this month.
    — Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • But for a sport the size of fencing, turning down attention is an unaffordable luxury.
    — Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of turning down
Verb
  • Counter space is the currency of a working kitchen, and homeowners are finding a new way to buy more of it without knocking down a wall.
    — Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune Demolition crews hired by the Chicago Bears begin knocking down the grandstand at the former Arlington International Racecourse on June 16, 2023, in Arlington Heights.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 1 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 7 Oct. 2026.

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