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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)
Verb
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Another way cities are cutting back on pavement is by dropping regulations that require a minimum number of parking spaces for new residential or commercial buildings.—
Aya Diab,
Fortune,
23 May 2026 -
High-pressure roles are filled with many uncontrollable factors, and cutting back on self-care is often the result.—
Julian Hayes II,
Forbes.com,
23 May 2026
Verb
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Carlos is on his way to the casino, turning down his mother’s offer of his favorite lunch and proceeding with such purpose that his head is barely turned by a parade of the gayest matelots since Pierre et Gilles’ 2005 book Sailors & Sea.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
22 May 2026
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The trade came one year after Odighizuwa signed a four-year, $80 million extension with Dallas after reportedly turning down more money to remain with the Cowboys.—
Sean Campbell,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
Verb
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The role players consistently knocking down shots would be big too.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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French guard Marine Johannes was equally unstoppable, knocking down five 3-pointers to finish with 17 points on top of five rebounds, three assists and three steals.—
Emily Adams,
Hartford Courant,
9 May 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 27 May. 2026.
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