Thesaurus results for CANALIZE

canalize

verb

ˈka-nə-ˌlīz

Definition of canalize

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

The governor’s September 2020 order directed the state to require all new cars and passenger trucks sold in the state after 2035 be zero-emission vehicles.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
Staging a great needle drop isn’t the same thing as directing a great movie.

— Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 July 2026

Definition of direct

Verb

Consider this pleated tunic dress instead, which channels the same relaxed, button-up silhouette for a fraction of the cost.

— Jill Layton, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026
Lamont’s chief fiscal focus since 2020 has been on channeling $11 billion in surpluses — forced by aggressive savings rules — to whittle down a hefty pension debt created over seven decades prior to 2011.

— Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 17 July 2026

Definition of channel

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

Definition of channelize

Verb

Proceeds from Art+Film are funneled to LACMA’s focus to make film central to the museum’s curatorial program while also supporting its broader mission with exhibitions, acquisitions, educational programming and more.

— Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026
The money funnels up, and then out at the end of the year to pay partners, and the whole thing starts over.

— Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 14 July 2026

Definition of funnel

Verb

Thirty years ago, the walk-up song was a new phenomenon, and it was played only at the beginning of every at-bat; now many stadiums pipe in music between every pitch.

— Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 17 July 2026
Sour cream frosting is softer and won’t hold its shape as definitively when piped.

— Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 14 July 2026

Definition of pipe

Verb

That was part of his wider goal of sending endless waves of bomb-carrying drones and robots to hit Russian encampments in a bid to sharply reduce Ukraine’s casualties.

— Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
The port of entry handled $126 billion in trade carried by commercial trucks in 2023, Reuters reported.

— Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of carry

Verb

While rumors initially claimed ICE was targeting fans, OutKick confirmed at the time that the personnel was actually California Border Control agents conducting routine operations unrelated to local sweeps.

— Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.

— Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026

Definition of conduct

Browse Nearby Words

canal

canalize

canalized

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“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of canalize

verb

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