Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)
Verb
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Some school districts are already calling for e-learning on Friday, and trains across the city are cutting back on service.—
Marissa Sulek,
CBS News,
22 Jan. 2026 -
While low-income shoppers are cutting back on spending, high earners keep infusing the economy with their cash, fueled by stock and real estate gains.—
Tristan Bove,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The kind of boss who would crawl inside your abdomen instead of turning down the air-conditioning, Bradley suddenly can’t function without Linda.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
26 Jan. 2026
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Deep into stoppage time, fans vented their spleen at the sight of Dominik Szoboszlai turning down the chance to cross into the box, instead opting to pass sideways to Ibrahima Konate.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
2 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Well, the two-time Eastern Conference rookie of the month is one of only two players in the NBA this season who’s averaging 15 points and five rebounds per game while knocking down at least 42% from 3-point range.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Jan. 2026
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South San Joaquin County Fire Authority However, after knocking down the flames, fire officials say crews found a person dead inside the shop.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
5 Jan. 2026
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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 5 Feb. 2026.
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