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whittle

[hwit-l, wit-l] / ˈʰwɪt l, ˈwɪt l /


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.

If you have a highly concentrated stock allocation with large built-up gains, you can gradually whittle down your position and use the $6,000 deduction to minimize or cancel the tax hit, Adams says.

From Barron's • Apr. 25, 2026

At first, she was content to whittle away at her debt by making the minimum payments for perhaps two decades.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 22, 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

Then, as Joe tries and fails to whittle away at Brontë’s sense of self in a bid to regain her affections, he realizes that he has lost control.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2025

He’s trying to whittle something using a pocketknife.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti




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