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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)
Verb
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New York Times Companies are cutting back on employee business trips, but doing so many stunt workers’ careers.—
Kristin Stoller,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026 -
Consider cutting back stems that cross or rub against one another.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
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That’s what was needed to justify turning down an offer with a big premium from a legitimate business — no matter the board’s preferred outcome for the company.—
Cynthia Littleton,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2026
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When that venture didn’t work out, Elliott returned to the recording business, turning down overtures from Emanuel, who was the best man at his wedding, to work as an agent.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The big man has been efficient all playoffs by bulldozing to the rim and finishing, by knocking down trailing 3s and hitting the offensive glass.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2026
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As their mutual competitiveness grows shockingly ugly, Niall learns to turn Ruben’s Samsonian strength and fury against him, knocking down the pillars of Ruben’s own life.—
Inkoo Kang,
New Yorker,
24 Apr. 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 2 May. 2026.
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