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
  • Regularly cutting back on sleep could cause the number on the scale to creep up, according to new research.
    — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 26 July 2026
  • Many households, especially higher-income ones, are cutting back on discretionary purchases, while lower-income families contend with rising prices.
    — Joan Verdon, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Definition of cutting back
Verb
  • Rock Hill Mayor John Gettys said the city has spent four years turning down redevelopment offers for Palmetto Research Park in an effort to hold the property for higher-wage employers.
    — John Marks, Charlotte Observer, 2 July 2026
  • Value your time by turning down unpaid tasks.
    — Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 17 June 2026
Definition of turning down
Verb
  • Winds gusted up to 80 miles per hour, bowing palm trees and knocking down power lines that sparked the fires.
    — Angus Chen, STAT, 22 July 2026
  • The pair of earthquakes struck on June 24, knocking down buildings, sending residents fleeing for safety and trapping some survivors under the rubble for days.
    — Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 8 July 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.

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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 28 Jul. 2026.

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