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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That agreement set a 60-day period for negotiations on key issues, including the future of Tehran’s nuclear program amid concerns that Iran wants to use it for military purposes, a claim the country denies.
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The individuals said the restoration will help ensure the organizations can use the model for defensive cyber purposes.
Verb
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Engineers looking for safe water and recycled air for astronauts should look no further than nature, according to one team of researchers.
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Byron used and abused all kinds of sources—classical, vernacular English, vernacular Italian—and was in turn recycled by others both during his lifetime and after his death.
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalize. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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