WHITTLES Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

whittles

verb

present tense third-person singular of whittle

as in cuts

to cause to diminish gradually by or as if by cutting off bits with a knife He was sitting on the porch, whittling a stick.

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of whittles Specifically, retinol smooths fine lines, lessens wrinkle depth, and whittles the appearance of large pores. — Sophie Wirt, InStyle, 29 May 2026 Typically, Cameron whittles his selections for each part down to five or six actors based on recommendations and audition tapes, and not only meets with them but tries to create some of the circumstances that will be replicated on set. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 22 Dec. 2025 Throughout the regular season, the league evaluates those 70 people and whittles the larger list down to the top 40 (20 referees paired with 20 linespeople). — Sean Gentille, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittles

Verb

When a company cuts its dividend, the stock tanks—that’s the bad scenario.

— Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
There are a few loadouts available at HP's site, but the best overall deal is on this model, which cuts a full 50% off.

— K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 4 July 2026

Definition of cuts

Verb

This includes soluble fiber, which increases healthy gut bacteria and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and insoluble fiber, which improves bowel health, says Howman.

— Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 4 July 2026
That lowers the chance of landing on a fake claim page built to steal your information.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

Definition of lowers

Verb

The structural design curtails the necessity for active safety mechanisms, electronic trip switches, or manual operator control interventions during an operational deviation.

— Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
India’s neighbors are seeking additional fuel from New Delhi as the war in the Middle East curtails access to energy supplies from the Persian Gulf, giving Asia’s third-largest economy an opportunity to build goodwill across the region.

— Swati Gupta, Bloomberg, 13 Mar. 2026

Definition of curtails

Verb

By stripping out parts and, crucially, reducing the number of unique parts, the company shortens manufacturing time, raises reliability, and drives down cost, all at once.

— John Koetsier, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Unfiltered water, Adams insists, leads to sediment buildup in your water heater, which shortens its lifespan and lessens its heating efficiency.

— Quincy Bulin, Southern Living, 28 June 2026

Definition of shortens

Verb

Good posture helps prevent aches in the back, neck and shoulders, reduces joint wear and lowers the risk of sports injuries, according to Cleveland Clinic.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 July 2026
Skipping the stove and oven also reduces indoor heat, so lean on cold sandwiches, salads and no-cook meals during the worst hours.

— Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 1 July 2026