as in using
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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cannibalizing
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
Search revenue grew 17% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, quieting concerns over AI’s cannibalizing Google’s core business, and the company crossed $400 billion in annual revenue for the first time.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 May 2026
That means Foundayo is not cannibalizing sales of Lilly’s industry-leading injectable drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 May 2026
But owners of the facilities — Long Shots in Frederick, River Boat on the Potomac and GBoone’s in Boonsboro — said the request was about ensuring the survival of the businesses through cooperation with existing casinos, not by cannibalizing the market.
—Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
In other words, the risk of cannibalizing the ratings at the local stations likely outweighs the benefits of expanding the race’s streaming reach.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2026
American health care costs are cannibalizing the economy.
—Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026
The Post’s second bet is on the viability of text at a moment when fewer people are reading articles online, and as tech platforms are cannibalizing search traffic and directing users away from news.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Landlords are lowering rents, raising concessions, and competing fiercely for tenants, even if that means cannibalizing older and less competitive developments.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
Search revenue grew 17% year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2025, quieting concerns over AI’s cannibalizing Google’s core business, and the company crossed $400 billion in annual revenue for the first time.
—Andrew R. Chow, Time, 6 May 2026
That means Foundayo is not cannibalizing sales of Lilly’s industry-leading injectable drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 4 May 2026
But owners of the facilities — Long Shots in Frederick, River Boat on the Potomac and GBoone’s in Boonsboro — said the request was about ensuring the survival of the businesses through cooperation with existing casinos, not by cannibalizing the market.
—Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
In other words, the risk of cannibalizing the ratings at the local stations likely outweighs the benefits of expanding the race’s streaming reach.
—Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 20 Feb. 2026
American health care costs are cannibalizing the economy.
—Washington Post, 4 Feb. 2026
The Post’s second bet is on the viability of text at a moment when fewer people are reading articles online, and as tech platforms are cannibalizing search traffic and directing users away from news.
—Max Tani, semafor.com, 2 Feb. 2026
Landlords are lowering rents, raising concessions, and competing fiercely for tenants, even if that means cannibalizing older and less competitive developments.
—Aldo Svaldi, Denver Post, 22 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalizing
Verb
-
The reforms would also require some facilities to assess the feasibility of using safer technologies or processes in their work, among other changes.—
Evan Bush,
NBC news,
30 May 2026
-
Zeferjahn had struggled earlier in the season, when the Angels were using him for multiple innings.—
Jeff Fletcher,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Verb
-
Plastic bags don’t go in the recycling bin.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
1 June 2026
-
Trashie is a recycling company that urges consumers to get rewarded for getting rid of their old stuff — everything from electronics to shoes.—
Kathy Kristof,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalizing. Accessed 4 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
