funnel 1 of 2

Definition of funnelnext
as in to direct
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway funneled endless time and money into his misguided pet project

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

funnel

2 of 2

noun

as in tube

Related Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of funnel
Verb
Luke Bronin is supported by The Bench and Majority Democrats – both PACs that are funneling millions of dollars to boost corporate-friendly moderates. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 27 May 2026 Americans are hanging on by their fingernails in an economy that funnels wealth to the ultra-rich and leaves crumbs for working people. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Time, 27 May 2026
Noun
Check out our favorite finds below, including a cleaning kit that helps prevent dryer fires, a folding grabber tool for reaching top-shelf items, and a funnel set for all your decanting needs—with some products marked down by up to 43%. Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026 Inside the funnel of a Thaumelodone octopus is a small saliva gland, but in this case the gland was comparatively huge, wrapping its way around the entire interior of the funnel. Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 25 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for funnel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for funnel
Verb
  • The book, by Martyna Majok (of Cost of Living, which was also directed by Bonney), merges past and present through Susanna’s narration, while Bonney has the show’s ensemble onstage around her as their characters interject in Susanna’s story, sometimes to play a scene, sometimes to add commentary.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
  • Vang’s supporters, including members of the California Working Families Party and the California Nurses Association, have accused Matsui of directing a super PAC to spend $119,000 to boost Wooden.
    Mathew Miranda June 4, Sacbee.com, 4 June 2026
Noun
  • These tubes serve as stabilizing cables that allow flexible fibrous trunks to withstand hurricane-force winds.
    Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 June 2026
  • Humidity is funnelled through tubes and directed toward furniture upholstery infusing it with lasting fragrance.
    Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 4 June 2026
Verb
  • Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain, for example, would need to pipe exports through either Saudi Arabia or Iraq.
    Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 4 June 2026
  • Sport mode also delivered a good amount of sound piped into the cabin, including entertaining turbo noises to accompany its hearty torque-shove Again, with the least amount of horsepower on tap.
    Peter Nelson, Robb Report, 27 May 2026
Verb
  • He's channeled two decades of touring expertise into his company tvg Hospitality, which aims to design venues where every detail enhances the experience.
    Erica Olsen, CBS News, 31 May 2026
  • Take a retired superintendent in my neighborhood who channels decades of leadership into community impact — serving on a childcare center board, leading a children's choir, and volunteering at a local health program.
    Esther K. Choy, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • If approved, the property tax cuts would still siphon millions of tax dollars from the budgets of local taxing authorities in both Broward and Palm Beach counties.
    Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 June 2026
  • Once considered competitive territory, the district was transformed into safe Republican ground after Democratic mapmakers packed it with conservative voters siphoned from neighboring GOP seats.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 3 June 2026
Verb
  • Gilgeous-Alexander finished with a game-high 35 points and nine assists but wasn’t enough to carry a Thunder team that limped to the finish line, dealing with fatigue and a slew of injuries.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 31 May 2026
  • Each pallet carries a ton of bananas.
    Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • The survey of 1,000 likely voters was conducted May 27-28.
    Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
  • While giving users information on how to conduct harmful activities could be concerning, the more worrying part is how the chatbots can egg users on, said Samuel Hunter, senior scientist and director of academic research at NCITE.
    Huo Jingnan, NPR, 31 May 2026
Verb
  • Upstream from Upper Klamath Lake, a key tributary was channelized and wetlands drained, resulting in massive amounts of phosphorus flowing into the Upper Klamath Lake and, eventually, the lower river.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 29 Dec. 2025
  • The Army Corps of Engineers channelized and paved the once-meandering river.
    Emma Bowman, NPR, 17 Nov. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Funnel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/funnel. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on funnel

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster