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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.

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Builders had hoped to capitalize on a busy spring buying season to whittle down inventories, but it was disappointing.

From MarketWatch Jun. 16, 2026

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

Even that won’t be the end of Paramount’s problems since it will have to unlock hefty synergies to whittle down a mountain of debt.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 20, 2026

“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

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

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon




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