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
Now chatbots are cannibalizing the traditional search engine.
—
Will Oremus,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Some of those consequences will be borne by the production’s cast and crew, with the leak possibly cannibalizing viewership when the movie officially premieres on Paramount+ in October.
—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Analysts today describe an institution constrained by shortages of fuel and spare parts and increasingly dependent on domestic improvisation — modifying, repurposing and cannibalizing older systems to keep them operational.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Terrified of losing speculative momentum, Google threw its immense cash reserves into an arms race that actively cannibalizes its own business model.
—
Sunil Sharan,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Will Oremus,
The Atlantic,
10 June 2026
Some of those consequences will be borne by the production’s cast and crew, with the leak possibly cannibalizing viewership when the movie officially premieres on Paramount+ in October.
—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2026
Analysts today describe an institution constrained by shortages of fuel and spare parts and increasingly dependent on domestic improvisation — modifying, repurposing and cannibalizing older systems to keep them operational.
—
Antonio María Delgado,
Miami Herald,
28 May 2026
Terrified of losing speculative momentum, Google threw its immense cash reserves into an arms race that actively cannibalizes its own business model.
—
Sunil Sharan,
Fortune,
27 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalize
Verb
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Alysa Guffey Currently, data centers use industrial zoning and ask for exemptions to use the site for data centers.
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In court documents, O’Hara alleged the defendants violated his First and Fourth Amendment rights, accusing them of unlawfully restricting free speech and initiating an unlawful seizure while using excessive force.
Verb
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As more of these batteries wear out, finding efficient ways to recycle them is becoming more important.
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The good news is that hangers can be repurposed around the house, donated to someone who needs them, or recycled through the right channels.
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalize. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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