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
Notably, voters will winnow a crowded field of candidates for governor down to two.
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Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Two semifinals, on May 12 and 14, will winnow the field of competitors down to 25 who will compete in the grand final on May 16, hosted by Austrian singer/crystal heiress Victoria Swarovski and actor Michael Ostrowski.
—
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Steyer won the backing of the powerful California Teachers Association, which previously endorsed Swalwell, and the support of Betty Yee, who suspended her bid last week and further winnowed the race.
—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
25 Apr. 2026
The Beef Council will winnow down the nominations to select regional finalists.
—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for winnow
Paris Barraza,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Two semifinals, on May 12 and 14, will winnow the field of competitors down to 25 who will compete in the grand final on May 16, hosted by Austrian singer/crystal heiress Victoria Swarovski and actor Michael Ostrowski.
—
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Steyer won the backing of the powerful California Teachers Association, which previously endorsed Swalwell, and the support of Betty Yee, who suspended her bid last week and further winnowed the race.
—
Julia Mueller,
The Hill,
25 Apr. 2026
The Beef Council will winnow down the nominations to select regional finalists.
—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
1 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for winnow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for winnow
Verb
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Along with detecting Houston's talent in 1983, Davis culled a coterie of other radio regulars in the '80s and '90s – Thompson Twins, Taylor Dayne and Ace of Base among them – before expanding the Arista empire.
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But the industry suffered a serious blow when legislators culled the entire drone production program from its recent budget.
Verb
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Of course, when an outfit is pared back, accessories are even more important.
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On Monday, the 2-year yield touched its highest level since February 2025 before paring losses slightly.
Verb
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This 30-piece Bosch router bit set is a top choice for woodworkers, trim work, edge profiles, and cabinet projects.
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Weed the edges around the sidewalk regularly and trim shrubs and grass that hang over the sidewalk because their shade can promote mold and moss growth.
Verb
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The current unrest first erupted in May after Paz cut long-standing fuel subsidies to shrink the deficit.
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Some analysts expect Apple could benefit as manufacturers of Android devices cut specs or raise prices.
Verb
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New flyover ramps connecting to I-95 would also be built, while sound barriers would be installed along both sides of the corridor to help reduce traffic noise for nearby residents.
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The rich treatment balances strengthening plant proteins with nourishing rosehip and sweet almond oils to reduce breakage and replenish moisture.
Verb
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To make them, sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons sugar in a large bowl.
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Although peak performance continues to improve, the models also churn out copious amounts of garbage as a by-product, requiring heroic interventions to sift sense from slop.
Cite this Entry
“Winnow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/winnow. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.
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