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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Recent Examples of winnow
The field of contestants, ages 8 to 14, will be winnowed down through several rounds of spelling and giving definitions.
—
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
She is squarely focused on defending public educators from the threats to winnow down the agency and launched the caucus in response to them.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 9 May 2025
That winnowed the field of borrowers from roughly 42 million to a total of 19.6 million borrowers.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 5 May 2025
The National Science Foundation canceled 73 additional grants on May 9 as the Department of Government Efficiency continues winnowing the agency's projects, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the changes.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for winnow
Bay Area News Group, Mercury News, 27 May 2025
She is squarely focused on defending public educators from the threats to winnow down the agency and launched the caucus in response to them.
—Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 9 May 2025
That winnowed the field of borrowers from roughly 42 million to a total of 19.6 million borrowers.
—Anne Marie D. Lee, CBS News, 5 May 2025
The National Science Foundation canceled 73 additional grants on May 9 as the Department of Government Efficiency continues winnowing the agency's projects, according to multiple sources with direct knowledge of the changes.
—Riley Beggin, USA Today, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for winnow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for winnow
Verb
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The department requires culling flocks — killing infected birds — to prevent the spread, which has further contributed to egg shortages across the country.—
Esther Sun,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
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Under federal policy, to prevent the spread of the virus, entire flocks must be culled if even a single infected bird is found on a farm.—
Giulia Carbonaro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 July 2025
Verb
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Nvidia then pared its gains but finished the day up by 1.8%, putting the company’s market value at just below $4 trillion.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
9 July 2025
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Other agents had dismissed Weinberg as a habitual liar looking to pare down his prison sentence, but Fuller saw potential.—
Longreads,
Longreads,
8 July 2025
Verb
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Here, the nailhead trim and traditional striped fabric go hand in hand for a statement yet classic bedroom.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
14 July 2025
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Maybe find ways to trim the bureaucracy and lower taxes.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
13 July 2025
Verb
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The Oak Ridge Boys, Reba McEntire, Jeannie C. Riley, Connie Smith and the duo of Charlie Louvin and Melba Montgomery were among the acts who cut her songs.—
Marcus K. Dowling,
The Tennessean,
22 July 2025
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The National Endowment for the Humanities cut the grant this spring.—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
22 July 2025
Verb
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This, together with a higher standard deduction, reduced the number of taxpayers who itemize deductions.—
Martin Shenkman,
Forbes.com,
14 July 2025
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Keep clear of puddles - Driving through puddles or low rainwater areas can cause vehicles to hydroplane or skid out of control Do not follow large vehicles closely - Large vehicles like trucks or buses can create a spray of water that can reduce your visibility.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT
Updated July 14,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 July 2025
Verb
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Of course, there were many items to sift through, but his eye was immediately drawn toward a red leather jewelry box that certainly looked well-loved, but undoubtedly luxurious.—
Alyce Collins,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 July 2025
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But here’s what’s happening now: Instead of sifting through 10-plus links, users just want one good answer straight away.—
Murad Salikhov,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Winnow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winnow. Accessed 26 Jul. 2025.
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