1
as in imitative
using or marked by the use of something else as a basis or model
there's a canned quality to the screenplay that reminds you of countless other action movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drunk
slang
being under the influence of alcohol
Driving home on New Year's Eve, she worried about other drivers who might be canned.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in stopped
slang
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
can the chatter, or I'm kicking you out of this library
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dismissed
to let go from office, service, or employment
the cashier was summarily canned for stealing from the registers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 canned
Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 July 2025
And despite Chef Boyardee’s relative simplicity for its near 100-year history, focused on canned and microwaveable cups, there may be innovation in the works.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
But the Tesla and SpaceX mogul ominously posted Monday that anyone who blows off the order for feedback would be summarily canned.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canned
Adjective
The Bachelor stars JoJo Fletcher and Jordan Rodgers usher in the summer at a party for Fletcher's canned cocktail brand, Saint Spritz in Montauk, N.Y. on June 28.
—Toria Sheffield, People.com, 7 July 2025
And despite Chef Boyardee’s relative simplicity for its near 100-year history, focused on canned and microwaveable cups, there may be innovation in the works.
—Preston Fore, Fortune, 7 July 2025
Verb
Maupin canned two more at the line to ice it.
—Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
But the Tesla and SpaceX mogul ominously posted Monday that anyone who blows off the order for feedback would be summarily canned.
—Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for canned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canned
Adjective
-
Nautilus is bold in its changes to Captain Nemo’s story — new monsters, new villains — but imitative to other genre series in execution, and the vibe is a little didactic.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
25 June 2025
-
The word was likely imitative of the deep humming sound male bees make.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
Adjective
-
For years across social media, fans have been convinced that the cast of Mamma Mia! were drunk on set due to ouzo, a Greek aperitif.—
Francesca Gariano,
People.com,
19 July 2025
-
The crash occurred about 2½ years after Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III drove drunk at speeds up to 156 mph on a Las Vegas street and caused a fiery collision that killed a woman and her dog on Nov. 2, 2021.—
Cristian Santana,
NBC news,
17 July 2025
Verb
-
The Wings can core her, but that hasn’t stopped stars in the past.—
Sabreena Merchant,
The Athletic,
8 Jan. 2025
-
Details matter, as the characters in Season 2 never stopped reminding us.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
8 Jan. 2025
Verb
-
Reportedly, Jane Doe voluntarily dismissed her case with prejudice — meaning the suit is legally prevented from being refiled.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
9 Apr. 2025
-
In their petition, Read's lawyers said the judge did not give counsel for either side the opportunity to speak and dismissed the jury without asking them if they were locked on all charges or any charges individually.—
Michael Ruiz,
FOXNews.com,
9 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Sharon's fried chicken comes as a 2- or 4-piece meal with biscuits and either one or two sides.—
Endia Fontanez,
AZCentral.com,
22 July 2025
-
Dressed cucumbers are also a great make-and-take side for picnics to add to a cold plate, serve alongside fried chicken, or even put on a sandwich.—
Cameron Beall,
Southern Living,
19 July 2025
Verb
-
Most importantly, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1994 and ceased all political activities soon afterward.—
W. James Antle III,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
14 Mar. 2025
-
The New York Giants’ high hopes for him last year quickly faded and completely ceased after the Giants lost in overtime to the Carolina Panthers in Germany — a game in which Jones only threw for 190 yards and was intercepted twice.—
Mike Kaye,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Though once common in the Atlantic, gray whales were hunted and removed from that ocean about 300 years ago—and only five or so have been seen in the last 15 years there and in the Mediterranean.—
Danielle Hall,
Smithsonian Magazine,
24 Dec. 2024
-
Switching to Bournemouth removed Adams from the frenzy and bright lights that surround Leeds.—
Felipe Cardenas,
The Athletic,
24 Dec. 2024
Adjective
-
The analytics department had built a mock draft simulator to get a feel for how the board might shake out before the Panthers selected at their No. 57 spot.—
Mike Kaye
July 22,
Charlotte Observer,
22 July 2025
-
In early March, the command's fighter jets and a U.S. bomber carried out a mock interception over Alaska, showcasing its ability to defend the continent at a moment's notice.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canned. Accessed 31 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share