WHITTLING (DOWN) Synonyms: 112 Similar and Opposite Words

whittling (down)

verb

Definition of whittling (down)

present participle of whittle (down)

as in cutting down

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittling (down)

Verb

Karen Fernandez, lead esthetician at SkinSpirit, told Byrdie the theory is to let skin rebuild its protective stratum corneum layer, and that cutting back can also help identify products causing irritation or breakouts.

— Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 26 Oct. 2026
But the serious conversations about cutting back on spending and raising taxes taking place in Europe are considerably less serious in the United States.

— David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of cutting back

Verb

After 12 years, three standalone movies and a holiday special, Amanda Seyfried appears to have no regrets turning down a Guardians of the Galaxy lead role.

— Glenn Garner, Deadline, 25 Oct. 2026
John only found peace by giving up the ring, turning down the gig, and forging his own path.

— Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of turning down

Verb

Last week, Ukraine ran out of Patriot interceptors – one of the few defensive weapons capable of knocking down a ballistic missile – leaving it far more vulnerable to Russian attacks.

— Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2026
As a nation, the United States is moving toward knocking down longstanding walls separating religion and government, often ruling in favor of expanding the rights of religious groups.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of knocking down

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whittling

whittling (down)

whiz

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“Whittling (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/whittling%20%28down%29. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of whittling (down)

verb

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