<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object)<ul><li>To separate and retain the coarse parts of (flour, ashes, etc.) with a sieve.</li><li>To scatter or sprinkle through or by means of a sieve: to sift sugar onto cake.</li><li>To separate by or as if by a sieve.</li><li>To examine closely: The detectives are still sifting the evidence.</li></ul></li></ul><p><strong>Synonyms</strong></p><ul><li><p>Probe</p></li><li><p>Search</p></li><li><p>Inspect</p></li><li><p>Scrutinize</p></li><li><p>Sort to question closely</p></li><li><p>(used without object)</p><ul><li>To sift something.</li><li>To pass or fall through or as if through a sieve.</li></ul></li></ul>