to separate and retain the coarse parts of (flour, ashes, etc.) with a sieve.

to scatter or sprinkle through or by means of a sieve

to sift sugar onto cake.

to separate by or as if by a sieve.

to examine closely

The detectives are still sifting the evidence.

to question closely.

to sift something.

to pass or fall through or as if through a sieve.

verb

put in

verb

analyze , clean , colander , comb , delve into , dig into , drain , evaluate , examine , explore , fathom , filter , go into , go through , grade , inquire , investigate , look into , pan , part , pore over , probe , prospect , purify , riddle , screen , scrutinize , search , separate , sieve , size , sort , strain , winnownotes:a selective or purifying process can be called a sieve - and sift means \'to pass through a sieve\' , winnow , bolt , canvass , cribble , inspect , refine