as in uses
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 cannibalizes
Should Netflix prevail, WBD’s cable assets would be split off, effectively stranding the linear networks as the industry leader cannibalizes the content engine for its digital platform.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalizes
Verb
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Firstly, AccuWeb offers Linux and Windows dedicated hosting, while HostArmada uses Linux exclusively.—
Gabriel Zamora,
PC Magazine,
8 Mar. 2026
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The company uses subcontractors at Camp East Montana, including security firm Akima Global Services and medical contractor Loyal Source.—
Morgan Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Eco effort Over 1,000 solar panels power the resort’s operations during the day, while an on-site treatment plant recycles up to 80% of the wastewater used for landscaping.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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Aimed at improving circularity and extending the life cycle of its products, M&S partnered with Redskinned—a company that repairs, resells and recycles used garments—to operate the eBay storefront.—
Jennifer Bringle,
Sourcing Journal,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalizes. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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