whittling (down)

present participle of whittle (down)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)
Verb
  • After sleep, cutting back on alcohol and caffeine can be helpful.
    Megan Poinski, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Other educators who spoke to the Herald describe parents cutting back on extracurricular activities, avoiding school pick-up and drop-off lines, and even keeping children home to study informally.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But if United chose this path by signing two big-money attacking midfielders this summer, so too did Fernandes by turning down Al Hilal’s offer to play in the Saudi Pro League.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Can states risk turning down massive economic development investments?
    Delaney Nolan, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Tumi Alpha 3 Collection International Expandable Carry-on is currently 20 percent off, knocking down its over $1,000 price tag to $819.
    Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2025
  • Had a stray dog run up the stairs, knocking down the plant?
    Tao Lin, Harpers Magazine, 20 Aug. 2025
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 17 Sep. 2025.

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