whittle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That hasn’t deterred the U.S., which has been flying more than 10 MQ-9 orbits over Iran at a time as the American commanders push to stop Tehran’s ballistic-missile launches and whittle down other offensive capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

When you work on other aspects of your 2025 taxes, you may whittle your income down enough to qualify.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

But he added: "When you whittle it down to genuine enquiries and those that are financially qualified there is a much smaller number."

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

“American Primeval” “As always, this is one of the tougher categories to whittle down, but my favorite of the year remains ‘The Penguin.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2025

I get the sense that if I were to whittle her down to her core, she would be Abnegation all the way through.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth