whittle down

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

That should generate a number of options, which you can further whittle down with say, links to past purchases that worked well, or further texture specifications.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 3, 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

In September, Tory MPs will whittle down the number of candidates from six to four, who will then make their pitch to members at the party's conference in Birmingham.

From BBC • Aug. 2, 2024

Maybe it’s time to whittle down the “people I’m avoiding” list.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon