winnow

verb

Definition of winnownext
as in to cull
to remove less desirable choices from a group or list They winnowed the pool of applicants down to a few of the strongest candidates. I tried to winnow out the options that weren't a good value for the price.

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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 winnow The World Cup’s final week is expected to pack a punch as the global field of contenders is winnowed to two. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 July 2026 But for three contests — Assembly District 67, Assembly District 68 and Assembly District 72 — the June 2 primary was needed to winnow the field. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 7 July 2026 The first knockout round continues through Friday night, when the field will be winnowed to 16 teams. — Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 28 June 2026 The council winnowed that list down to five finalists who interviewed for the post last week ahead of Monday’s vote. — Mary Ramsey updated June 22, Charlotte Observer, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for winnow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for winnow
  1. cull
  2. pare
  3. trim
  4. cut
  5. reduce
  6. sift
Verb
  • The agency has dealt with homeowners illegally culling trees to improve their views in the past, but those are dwarfed by the scale of these poisonings, Cowen said.
    — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Curator Marcus Lobbes developed the concept with Nils Corte and dramaturge Andri Hardmeier, feeding computers about 1,000 images culled from the 15 prior Bayreuth Ring productions.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of cull
Verb
  • Laresca and Goglia, with ties to local cocktail bars Blue Collar, Cold Shoulder and more, chose to pare down the beverage program.
    — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Bluey family costumes Bluey, Bingo, Bandit, and Chilli make an instantly recognizable choice for a family of four, while smaller families can easily pare down the group.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of pare
Verb
  • The machine is programmed in advance, allowing landscapers to complete other tasks, such as trimming and cleanup, while the mower cuts the grass.
    — Emily M. Olson, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Tempo trimmed the deficit to four points in the final minute, but Bueckers hit a jumper to get the lead back to six before Isabelle Harrison was called for a charge.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of trim
Verb
  • Low-flow plumbing fixtures and water-saving showerheads cut water consumption, and LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances lower overall energy use.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – which is needed by approximately 45% of the population – has been dramatically cut by international donors since the Taliban returned to power, with women and girls bearing the brunt of those cuts.
    — Kara Fox, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of cut
Verb
  • Studies show that drinking more fluid—preferably water—can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation and recurrence.
    — MD Published, Verywell Health, 10 Aug. 2026
  • The White Worm, who styled herself as a peacetime consigliere, is reduced to obsolescence by the promise of all-out war.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of reduce
Verb
  • But the fire this time was started by a son, which led to raging misfortunes that consumed his three brothers one by one, leaving only ashen memories for his surviving sister and aged parents to sift through.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Every week, someone had to physically retrieve the cards, download the images, and sift through them by hand — a process that could take weeks or even months.
    — Laurie Mermet, Sun Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of sift

Browse Nearby Words

winnings
winnow
winnowed
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Cite this Entry

“Winnow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winnow. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of winnow for Spanish Speakers

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