sift

verb

Definition of siftnext
1
as in to filter

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to inspect

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sift Let cool on the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes, then sift powdered sugar on top of each pastry, if desired. — Candy Hom, AJC.com, 23 Oct. 2026 Their project, called Black Hole Hunters, is looking for volunteers with a computer and a few spare minutes to sift through troves of data gathered by a NASA space telescope. — Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 18 Oct. 2026 Lowen must move into the Crawford family’s foreboding Vermont lake house to flirt with her husband sift through Verity’s notes and embody her voice. — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 6 Oct. 2026 For a category definitions refresher, sift through our clue glossary. — Vulture, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sift
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sift
  1. filter
  2. inspect
  3. sieve
  4. investigate
  5. lay
  6. examine
  7. screen
Verb
  • From there, promising athletes were filtered into regional training centers, which further funnelled the very best to INSEP.
    — Albert Samaha, New Yorker, 7 Nov. 2026
  • This combination is designed to help the robot collect larger debris while also filtering smaller particles that can affect pool cleanliness.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of filter
Verb
  • Investigators say a passenger in a car got out to inspect the damage from a minor crash when they were hit by a passing car — described as a white, silver, or black sedan — that fled the scene.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Its broader technology plans include robots that can help inspect infrastructure.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of inspect
Verb
  • After sufficient brewing time, pour the tea into the pitcher through a fine mesh filter or sieve to remove the loose leaves or take out and throw out the whole tea bags.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 19 June 2026
  • Creativity is not just some commodity, trapped in the imagination, that can be tapped and sieved by technology.
    — John Semley, Wired News, 1 Apr. 2026
Definition of sieve
Verb
  • Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and Sacramento Regional Transit Police are investigating the incident, according to the fire department.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Prosecutors are also investigating current and former central bank and pension fund officials.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Nov. 2026
Definition of investigate
Verb
  • During his tenure from 1985-92, Sabean helped lay the groundwork for the Yankees’ late-90s dynasty.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • If Seattle keeps the game low-scoring and protects Sam Darnold, laying three at home looks reasonable.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of lay
Verb
  • The inquiry is expected to examine internal communications and access protocols.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Campaigns could seek court orders, usually county by county, seeking to examine ballots.
    — BILL BARROW, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of examine
Verb
  • The bar exam exists to screen for competence before a lawyer is handed control over a client's property, money, freedom, children, etc.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Men between 70 and 74 should talk to their doctors about the pros and cons of getting tested, the guidelines state, while men 75 and older, or those not expected to live another 10 years, should stop screening.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026
Definition of screen

Browse Nearby Words

sieving
sift
sifted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sift.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sift. Accessed 14 Nov. 2026.

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