as in discard
something separated from a group or lot for not being as good as the others
the unbruised apples will be packed in bags, and the culls will be used for cider
Synonyms & Similar Words
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as in to select
to decide to accept (someone or something) from a group of possibilities
culled the best short stories from the author's body of writings
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cull
Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Further culls within the executive branch are likely.
—Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
According to Peabody, the total of 68 nominees were culled from a list of 1,000 entries in all categories; the final nods were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cull
Noun
The development department at the Kennedy Center has a staff of roughly 70, a number that reflects the scope and significance of the fund-raising effort but also one that is likely to draw some scrutiny from a White House whose willingness to cull staff has been more than aggressive.
—Robin Pogrebin, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025
Further culls within the executive branch are likely.
—Varad Mehta, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
If a country sets hunting quotas to manage wolf populations, for example, individual farmers would be allowed to cull wolves in their area.
—Olivia Ferrari, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Apr. 2025
According to Peabody, the total of 68 nominees were culled from a list of 1,000 entries in all categories; the final nods were chosen by a unanimous vote of 27 jurors.
—Michael Schneider, Variety, 17 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cull
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cull
Noun
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The discards soon ended up in a massive tank that mimics a cow’s digestion — minus the release of gassy byproducts — where they were turned into compost and renewable energy.—
Adriana Pérez,
Chicago Tribune,
5 May 2025
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The Nigerian firm’s approach reduces plastic pollution and increases reliable employment for waste pickers while promoting sustainability by turning discards into useful elements.—
Alexandra Harrell,
Sourcing Journal,
3 Sep. 2019
Verb
-
Who did the Chicago Bears select in the 2025 NFL draft?—
Brad Biggs,
Chicago Tribune,
14 May 2025
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King – who was selected by Bay FC with the second overall pick in the 2024 NWSL draft – has started all eight games for Angel City this season, having joined the club in February.—
Ben Morse,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Noun
-
Expert picks On this day (May 13) in NBA Playoffs history 2004 — Derek Fisher with 0.4 seconds left.—
Steven Louis Goldstein,
New York Times,
13 May 2025
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With your hands on the bar, pull to your upper abs, then pause for a few seconds.—
Laura Schober,
Health,
13 May 2025
Verb
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The fact that the high court chose this case to discuss universal injunctions could mean a majority want to reaffirm their use, said Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
12 May 2025
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After picking, vinification was gentle and at low temperatures for many producers, who also chose to steer clear of using excessive new oak for aging.—
Tom Mullen,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Noun
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The modern reject rejects the academic consensus on everything from the science of vaccines to the benefits of free trade.—
Zack Beauchamp,
Vox,
12 Mar. 2025
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Still, the rejects are legion: Amy Sedaris, Tiffany Haddish, Jim Carrey, Nick Kroll, Aubrey Plaza, John Goodman, Geena Davis, Jennifer Aniston, Andrea Martin, Zach Galifianakis, Paul Reubens.—
Christopher Borrelli,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Situations like, how to thread the needle between multiple dietary restrictions, or how to pick a menu that can be made days in advance so hosts can save their energy for the party itself.—
Bon Appétit,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
21 May 2025
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Then Tavares basically spent all seven years refusing to pick a lane.—
Sean McIndoe,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Verb
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One of our last photos of him was taken inside that diner, grinning at us over an orange coffee cup.—
Gwen Rockwood,
Arkansas Online,
15 May 2025
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The man took the books from the Beachwood branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) in early April, only to later post a video of himself burning the books on social media, according to a May 2 police report viewed by USA TODAY.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
15 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cull.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cull. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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