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

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funnel

2 of 2

noun

as in tube

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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
Kushner’s Thrive is also a pivotal investor in OpenAI, most recently funneling another $1 billion to the company in December, CNBC reported. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026 McDonnell had saddled up to Banc of California and funneled a portion of her new $15 million loan to keep the other bank at bay. Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
That additional uncertainty may be enough to keep a capable person outside the funnel. Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026 More pre-fall favorites This fall, expect to see funnel-neck jackets, slim-fitting and lady jackets, sheer apparel, earth-tones and pops of color. ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for funnel
Recent Examples of Synonyms for funnel
Verb
  • Importantly, these policies should be informed by injury data so that resources are directed toward the neighborhoods, populations and circumstances where injuries are occurring most frequently.
    Narmeen Khan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Residents filled the council meeting, with the overflow attendees directed to other areas of the building after officials said the room had reached its fire marshal capacity.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Gilman had been moved from a prison to a civilian hospital, where he was hooked up to a feeding tube and handcuffed to a bed.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Cases where a patient is malnourished are challenging, because research has shown putting in a feeding tube or giving them appetite stimulants doesn’t improve their outcomes, Lee said.
    Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 9 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • For the best flavor, chill the filling for 30 minutes before piping into the shells.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The day before this one, Parekh filmed takes of fire leaping down the street, which include practical flames created by piping gas under the set.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • There’s usually a pair of chic oversized sunnies involved too to really channel Sophia Loren, and a statement accessory or shoe, like a suite of Cartier jewels or a structured and sleek clutch.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Harking back to its Jurassic forbear, The End of Oak Street channels everyone's favorite '80s Amblin classics, but with a far more vicious bite.
    Megan McCluskey, Time, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The rise of other Jeffco programs also siphoned off talent that might have previously open enrolled at Columbine.
    Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Sunday is also not gonna siphon that many votes from Cardellini, a TV vet.
    Joyce Eng, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Ultimately, though, the highlight is grabbing a glass of local wine at the lobby bar, carrying it to any one of the viewpoints on the massive lawn, and watching sunset over the silent sound, feeling like everything the light touches is yours.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In Cali, a woman was pulled from under a mountain of rubble on Tuesday to cheers as firemen carried her out on a stretcher following a complex, multinational rescue operation.
    Rocio Munoz, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Earlier this month, Abbott directed the Public Utility Commission of Texas and ERCOT to conduct a comprehensive audit of all data centers that are going through the grid operator's interconnection process.
    Jack Fink, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Fire agencies conduct home inspections for vegetation and defensible space in many high-risk areas.
    Lauren Sommer, NPR, 17 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The Don River flowing through Toronto into Lake Ontario had been channelized, encased in concrete, and diverted nearly at a right angle to output at a different location.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Funnel.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/funnel. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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