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 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for whittles

Verb

The column also presents the military leadership cuts as a reason for concern about the resilience of democratic institutions, especially if experienced leaders are removed while the administration concentrates power.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Then, the film cuts to show our protagonist’s hand hovering in front of a slide projector displaying a plot of cheap land in South Carolina where nuclear weapons were developed during the Cold War.

— Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of cuts

Verb

All of my essentials are packed in my Stowaway, which clips into my weekender as a bag organizer, and can clip out to be worn on its own as a crossbody when walking around during the day or as a clutch when going out in the evening.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 16 July 2026
This compact tote folds into a small pouch that clips directly onto your keys and expands into a functional bag when needed.

— Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 29 May 2026

Definition of clips

Verb

Performing instrumental passages, the singer often lowers his head so much that his forehead nearly touches the piano keys.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 2 Oct. 2026
Disrupting plaque all day, not just morning and night, lowers the inflammatory load dentists tie to systemic disease.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of lowers

Verb

The percentage of those in the trades 5 years after completing an apprenticeship or postsecondary education drops to 29% and 34% respectively.

— Itzel Franco, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
When the puck drops, be ready with Betr and their offer of $200 in bonus bets for tonight’s game with promo code FOXNEWS.

— OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of drops

Verb

Unseasonal weather that curtails feasting on the scrumptious sushi served on the roof terrace from May to October.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Still, if the strait remains closed—and particularly if the United States curtails diesel fuel exports—countries across the regionwill face higher energy import costs that will weigh on agricultural production and drive inflation.

— DAN RESTREPO, Foreign Affairs, 30 Sep. 2026