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
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—
Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalizes
Verb
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Kwei uses his last breath to send his brother to Genna, offering him a chance to at least attempt his first hunt.—
Sergio Pereira,
Space.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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The Dancing with the Stars contestant also uses the Body patches.—
Jackie Fields,
PEOPLE,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Converting it into fuel reduces those emissions and recycles waste that would otherwise contribute to climate change.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Oct. 2025
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Leaving leaves on the ground provides shelter for insects and recycles nutrients into the soil.—
Paul Cappiello,
Louisville Courier Journal,
17 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalizes. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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