When it comes to finding the best candidates or the most reliable solutions, the phrase "winnow out" can be an effective way to describe what needs to happen. To winnow out means to sift through something carefully in order to separate what is valuable from what is not. Synonyms for this phrase include filter, sift, sort, screen, cull, and separate. These words all convey the idea of carefully examining something and removing the unwanted or unimportant parts. Whether you're winnowing out resumes, winnowing out options, or winnowing out ideas, using one of these synonyms can help you communicate your intention in a clear and concise way.