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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
  • This is somewhat detrimental to the development of Karen, since cutting back and forth interrupts the flow of her epistolary relationship with Wilson, whose stories morph into intimate letters.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 17 Sep. 2026
  • In drier climates, cutting back on outdoor irrigation makes a noticeable difference too.
    — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of cutting back
Verb
  • Closing the curtains tightly before bed and turning down the thermostat also help.
    — Jeanne Bonner, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026
  • 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
Definition of turning down
Verb
  • Charlotte history of knocking down old buildings Digital Realty is far from the first developer to tear down a historic site.
    — Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Zhang uses his size and quick first step to attack the basket, while also knocking down three-pointers off the catch or on the move.
    — Fred He, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 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 22 Sep. 2026.

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