as in to direct
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway channelized all of his resources into winning that state's crucial primary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 channelize When work began, parts of the Creek had been fully channelized, other portions covered by development, others existing as nothing more than trash and weed choked trickles. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 Those changes include channelizing the bay in some places and transforming it into dunes and marshland in others. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025 The statement is in effect until 8 p.m. Caught in a rip: How to stay safe Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches. Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2025 As a response to this, in the 1960s, the city added more concrete, channelizing the river in the hopes of getting runoff away from neighborhoods to Lake Michigan as fast as possible. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024 Draining wetlands and channelizing the Sprague River to enable cattle ranching and agriculture has taken its toll on the region. Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 Draining wetlands and channelizing the Sprague River to enable cattle ranching and agriculture has taken its toll on the region. Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 12 Oct. 2024 Wild Los Angeles Los Angeles is a city of nearly 3.9 million people, with a heavily urbanized landscape that’s epitomized by its vast network of freeways and a mostly tame and channelized Los Angeles River. Discover Magazine, 15 June 2024 Austin and San Antonio have dammed, altered, channelized, buried and otherwise manipulated their creeks and rivers. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Mar. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for channelize
Verb
  • The International Film Festival Rotterdam (IFFR) has unveiled its second Focus program for the 55th edition, turning the spotlight on Japan’s V-Cinema — the direct-to-video movement that exploded in the late 1980s and profoundly shaped the country’s contemporary film culture.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
  • The biopic directed by David Michôd world premiered at TIFF (see Deadline review) and screened at AFI.
    Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Their cozy texture and slim profile feel like a nod to the viral $1,200 Miu Miu x New Balance trainers, and also channel the minimalist look of Vince’s easy-going suede styles.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Some of the best gifts for 2-year-olds channel their excess energy into an active hobby, such as zooming around on their balance bike or shooting hoops at an adjustable basketball hoop.
    Anja Webb, Parents, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Some became conscious of the role a state could play in intervening in the economy in order to curb and canalize democracy.
    Zeev Sternhell, Slate Magazine, 7 Apr. 2017
Verb
  • Meanwhile, video-generating software like OpenAI’s Sora showcase the inevitability that AI content will funnel into the mainstream.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
  • On Cebu, the rugged terrain funnelled water straight into communities that lack sufficient drainage.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Ekitike could cause City problems with his ability to stretch the play and ball-carrying qualities.
    Andy Jones, New York Times, 9 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • After the American flight turned south and the ITA flight continued west, an air traffic controller piped in to clarify what happened.
    Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Roofroomer treats the drainage system similarly, integrating a floor drain and piped sink basin drain through the floor of the unit.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 31 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the six-month-long outdoor study conducted on the roof of the Sydney Nanoscience Hub, dew could be collected over 32 percent of the year and so could provide a sustainable and predictable supply of water even in periods with no rain.
    Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Currently, there is no information on the extent of land burned or the size of the crew involved in conducting the prescribed fire.
    CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Channelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/channelize. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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