as in to use
to remove parts from a machine, car, etc., to repair or build another one
He cannibalized one washing machine to fix another. Many parts of the engine were cannibalized from older cars.
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Recent Examples of cannibalize
Having cannibalized what’s there, Musk wants to use his chatbot to remake the media, internet, and universe of knowledge to his liking.
—
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
During the first billion years of the galaxy, the Milky Way essentially cannibalized many neighboring smaller galaxy-like systems.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
But the notion that Kalshi would immediately cannibalize parlay betting activity on FanDuel, DraftKings and other gambling apps has not yet come to fruition.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Some might fear that putting his best TV moments on YouTube for free would cannibalize viewership on the original network, but results shows the opposite effect.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 28 Oct. 2025
During the first billion years of the galaxy, the Milky Way essentially cannibalized many neighboring smaller galaxy-like systems.
—Chris Young, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
But the notion that Kalshi would immediately cannibalize parlay betting activity on FanDuel, DraftKings and other gambling apps has not yet come to fruition.
—Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2025
Some might fear that putting his best TV moments on YouTube for free would cannibalize viewership on the original network, but results shows the opposite effect.
—Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 15 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalize
Verb
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Privacy and partners Lenovo built Qira using a hybrid AI architecture.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
7 Jan. 2026
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Soft, spreadable butter that can be used instantly on toast and biscuits, or in baking recipes for cookies, cakes, and more.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Cerdier added that Turkey is slowing down due to Asian competitors, while Western Europe is likely to remain stable, focusing on premium, sustainable and recycled denim rather than volume.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Jan. 2026
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Head coach candidates are often the same names recycled annually, and owners can lean on their GMs for help, but there is more nuance to finding front office executives.—
Jason Lloyd,
New York Times,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalize. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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