178 Another Word for Whittle? – Whittle Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say whittle differently? Here are other words for whittle and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of whittle

The primary meaning of the word "whittle" is to cut or shape something, typically wood, by paring it gradually with a knife.

Etymology of whittle

The word "whittle" has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled "hwittan" or "hwitan", which meant "to cut" or "to shape"
The word is related to the Old Norse word "hvitta", which also meant "to cut" or "to shape"
The word has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the act of cutting or shaping wood with a knife

Synonyms

carve shape cut trim pare slash chop slice dice mince prune clip crop lop sever hack hew chisel gouge scrape shave peel strip reduce diminish decrease lessen narrow contract condense abbreviate shorten curtail abridge pare down cut down cut back trim down scale down cut off chop off slice off pare away whittle away wear away erosion abrasion attrition

Definitions

  • To cut or shape something, typically wood, by paring it gradually with a knife
  • To reduce or lessen something, such as a problem or a difficulty, by gradually cutting it down or away
  • To wear something down or away by gradual erosion or abrasion

Usage Examples

  • He spent hours whittling a wooden figurine with his pocket knife
  • The company had to whittle down its staff due to financial difficulties
  • The constant waves whittled away the rocky shoreline over time

Antonyms

increase expand enlarge grow augment add accumulate multiply magnify amplify enhance exaggerate inflate swell bulge surge escalate intensify strengthen reinforce build up pile up accumulate gather collect hoard stockpile build construct create manufacture produce generate

Related Adjectives

sharp keen cutting edged pointed tapered narrow thin slender fine delicate intricate complex detailed precise accurate careful skilled crafty artistic creative manual technical mechanical industrial wooden woodenly brittle fragile weak vulnerable

Related Nouns

knife blade edge cutting tool wood timber tree branch stick carving sculpture figurine statue shape form design pattern model craft skill art technique method process operation procedure activity task job work labor industry

Related Verbs

carve cut shape trim pare slash chop slice dice mince prune clip crop lop sever hack hew chisel gouge scrape shave peel strip reduce diminish decrease lessen narrow contract condense abbreviate shorten curtail abridge
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