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.

At one point, the balance reached $11,000, but they have whittled it down to $6,000, Daniel-Hoste said.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Successive studies have whittled away at some of these early descriptions, however the new Flinders University study agrees with one of his species, Protemnodon anak.

From Science Daily • Apr. 15, 2024

Over time, Wisconsin voters have whittled away at the state’s unusual veto authority.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Newcastle have whittled down a shortlist of targets and are looking for quality over quantity, with four or five recruits this summer seen as an ideal number.

From BBC • May 29, 2023

Why, if I hadn't stopped him he might have whittled off five thousand dollars' worth of lead, just like that.

From West Wind Drift by McCutcheon, George Barr