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.

Newsom and legislative leaders — when they finally seriously engage in negotiations — will whittle down the total borrowing to a more voter-salable figure of between $20 billion and $30 billion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 27, 2023

Conservative lawmakers will whittle the field down from eight to two with a series of votes in the coming days.

From Reuters • Jul. 13, 2022

Some will run to raise their profiles, and a series of ballots among Conservative lawmakers will whittle the real contenders down to two.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2022

Environmental groups have warned the aggressive tactics will whittle down Idaho's wolf population by 90%, from roughly 1,500 to 150, which is the minimum limit enshrined by a 2002 conservation law.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2021

Some are so wedded to it from long custom, that if they have not a piece of stick to cut, they will whittle the backs of the chairs, or any thing within their reach.

From Diary in America, Series One by Marryat, Frederick