Definition of canalizenext
as in to direct
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway the director of the charity should be canalizing the flow of donations so that the money ends up where it is most needed

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 canalize 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canalize
Verb
  • This is the fifth play by Hunter that John Perrin Flynn, Rogue Machine’s founding artistic director, has directed.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Soon after the restart, Arteta had his hands on his head as Piero Hincapie directed the ball over the crossbar from just a few yards out.
    Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Rounding out the new offerings is Wings, which channels Schlumberger’s love of using multiple metals in a single design.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Writing, particularly poetry, for Wright is a form of channeling the spiritual realm and connecting with her inner self.
    Sonjirose Chin, Rolling Stone, 2 Sep. 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
Verb
  • Meta is among eight donors that wrote seven-figure checks supporting Becerra’s gubernatorial campaign, with most of the money funneled to independent committees backing the Democrat that are not allowed to legally coordinate with the candidate.
    Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The undercover reporter posed as the British son of a wealthy American who was willing to funnel money to Reform through his son, since foreign donations to political parties are prohibited under electoral law.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • However, the Junior Suite Prestige Loggia on the first floor looks out onto the private pool area, which reaches the glamour of Hotel Du Cap, with white umbrellas and loungers piped with aquamarine-like irresistible cupcakes.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The cost of powering homes is also up, with electricity and piped gas both costing around 4% more annually.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • West Virginia’s Cam Cook — the nation’s leading rusher last season — is the only other running back with 30 carries in a game this year.
    The Athletic College Football Staff, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • The biggest aircraft in the fleet, Boeing’s 767-300F, typically carries about 116,000 lbs.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • This includes conducting a GEO (generative engine optimization)/AEO (answer engine optimization) diagnostic visibility audit.
    Michelle Mekky, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Kanter could raise the same basic arguments in an arbitration, but it would be conducted in private, and awards by arbitrators are difficult to challenge in court because judges are obligated to give high deference to those awards.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 15 Sep. 2026.

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