whittle

[hwit-l, wit-l] / ˈʰwɪt l, ˈwɪt l /

VERB

cut away at; reduce

Synonyms

STRONGEST

diminish erode lessen pare shave trim

STRONG

carve chip consume decrease fashion form hew model mold sculpt shape undermine

WEAK

eat away wear away

Antonyms

STRONGEST

develop enlarge extend increase

STRONG

destroy neglect

WEAK

build

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.

Politicians will be tempted to let inflation whittle them down instead, incinerating the value of very long-term bonds.

From The Wall Street Journal

Now, that list has whittled down to about a dozen basins.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pa whittled on a stick and I was staring hard at a drawing in a book.

From Literature

He even whittled me a roadrunner because he knows how much I love birds.

From Literature

They whittle it down to a list that is then discussed with the five standing members of the committee.

From The Wall Street Journal