variants
also syphoning
1
as in draining
to remove (liquid) gradually or completely
I let the stranded motorist siphon some of my gas so he could be on his way
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in funneling
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway
investigators discovered that the so-called charitable organization was siphoning funds for personal use
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of siphoning
The school’s founders are accused of siphoning tens of millions of dollars into a private company between 2017 and 2021.
—
Jennifer Palmer, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Jan. 2026
Israel has said throughout the war that Hamas was siphoning off aid supplies, an accusation that the United Nations and aid groups have denied.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
And both were in more comfortable distances on third downs, siphoning off sacks to four for a Broncos team that had been averaging nearly five per game.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
Prosecutors accused lobbyist Greg Campbell, former Deputy State Attorney General Sean McCluskie and former Gavin Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson of siphoning campaign funds from former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, McCluskie’s boss, to pad McCluskie’s salary.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
The two have overlapping bases of support and are seemingly siphoning off support from each other, but if one dropped out, the other would have a genuine chance to advance from the top-two primary.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025
The problem with this shift is pretty clear – Cooper is effectively siphoning off cash from a really good contact lens business and then reinvesting it in what most people would judge to be a less attractive business.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025
Western nations could also encourage Russia's top experts to leave the country, siphoning away the country's expertise, the report says.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Kolomoisky has been accused of siphoning off billions from PrivatBank, a Ukrainian bank.
—Olena Loginova, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Jennifer Palmer, Oklahoma Watch, 9 Jan. 2026
Israel has said throughout the war that Hamas was siphoning off aid supplies, an accusation that the United Nations and aid groups have denied.
—Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 2 Jan. 2026
And both were in more comfortable distances on third downs, siphoning off sacks to four for a Broncos team that had been averaging nearly five per game.
—Troy Renck, Denver Post, 6 Dec. 2025
Prosecutors accused lobbyist Greg Campbell, former Deputy State Attorney General Sean McCluskie and former Gavin Newsom chief of staff Dana Williamson of siphoning campaign funds from former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, McCluskie’s boss, to pad McCluskie’s salary.
—Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 4 Dec. 2025
The two have overlapping bases of support and are seemingly siphoning off support from each other, but if one dropped out, the other would have a genuine chance to advance from the top-two primary.
—Douglas Schoen, Oc Register, 28 Nov. 2025
The problem with this shift is pretty clear – Cooper is effectively siphoning off cash from a really good contact lens business and then reinvesting it in what most people would judge to be a less attractive business.
—Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 15 Nov. 2025
Western nations could also encourage Russia's top experts to leave the country, siphoning away the country's expertise, the report says.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Nov. 2025
Kolomoisky has been accused of siphoning off billions from PrivatBank, a Ukrainian bank.
—Olena Loginova, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for siphoning
Verb
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Use a loose, fast-draining potting mix that pairs nutritious soil with big pieces of orchid bark, pumice, or perlite.—
Leanne Potts,
Better Homes & Gardens,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Balsam fir is native to moist woods and prefers well-draining, acidic soil over dense, clay soil.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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At first glance, the Rural Health Transformation Program appears to be just a conduit for funneling funds to strapped rural hospitals and clinics facing slashed Medicaid spending.—
Isabella Cueto,
STAT,
29 Dec. 2025
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Keeler was accused of funneling casino cash to a Republican political group.—
Tony Cook,
IndyStar,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
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To this day, as much fun as Johnson has with his offensive artistry, little gets his blood pumping like bringing a mauling running game to life.—
Dan Wiederer,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
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Countries like China let their industries pollute freely, dumping chemicals into rivers, pumping toxins into the air and throwing plastics into the ocean.—
Chip Lamarca,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In addition to his directing prowess, Reiner's skills as an actor were recognized by the Golden Globes in the past.—
Joey Nolfi,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Jan. 2026
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Agitators directing traffic and impeding law enforcement activity in Minnesota are drawing sharp criticism from a former police official, who warns the scenes signal a dangerous normalization of obstruction that threatens public safety and the rule of law.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Verb
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To this end, channeling EU resources and funding from global financial institutions towards the country's post-war recovery — and industry — will be a prerequisite.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
23 Jan. 2026
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Trump tackles affordability … by channeling Democrats?—
Nicole Russell,
USA Today,
22 Jan. 2026
Verb
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That veteran trio scored nine of Boston’s 12 points in the second extra period, carrying a Celtics squad that was playing without starting guard Derrick White (rest).—
Zack Cox,
Boston Herald,
24 Jan. 2026
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Despite a subtropical climate, rainfall is limited, freshwater resources are scarce and Atlantic trade winds regularly sweep across the islands carrying salt and humidity.—
Emily Price,
Forbes.com,
24 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Barrymore actually experienced her first-ever hot flash while conducting an interview with Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler on The Drew Barrymore Show in 2023.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
20 Jan. 2026
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The prelaunch test involves conducting a mock launch countdown and fueling the SLS with 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants that are later drained.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This Amazon lookalike comes with pants and a button-down shirt with piping along the hems to offer comfort, warmth, and style all in one.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
26 Dec. 2025
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Here are five stellar spots around the Bay Area for picking up a piping mug of cocoa that’s not just satisfying but also memorable.—
Kate Bradshaw,
Mercury News,
4 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Siphoning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/siphoning. Accessed 25 Jan. 2026.
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