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
  • For most people, this spot isn’t cleaned as often, but for those who do feel the need to add this area into your weekly dusting routine, Hernandez recommends cutting back.
    — Ashlyn Needham, The Spruce, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Beef sales fell in the 13 weeks leading up to mid-July, with consumers cutting back on eating out or opting for cheaper proteins, Bloomberg reported.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of cutting back
Verb
  • Tucker entered last offseason as the consensus top free agent after turning down a qualifying offer from the Chicago Cubs.
    — Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
  • After all, the billionaire founder lived a whirlwind of a career, turning down lucrative job offers and weathering professional rejection before ultimately launching one of the world’s biggest biotech companies.
    — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of turning down
Verb
  • In addition to Goodson, the highlights for the Falcons on Wednesday included a long and leaping touchdown catch by Drake London, Zachariah Branch lowering his shoulder and knocking down a Colts defender and an improved run defense.
    — Josh Kendall, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026
  • For many observers of American politics, the past few years have been disillusioning, knocking down hopeful beliefs about what the people of the United States will support or tolerate.
    — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 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 25 Aug. 2026.

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