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.
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Recent Examples of cannibalizing
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
But private equity firms risk cannibalizing their own businesses and accelerating the software-as-a-service, or SaaS, shakeout that’s already underway.
—Deirdre Bosa,jasmine Wu, CNBC, 12 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
At the same time, its recent performance has allayed fears that broadening its AI offerings meant cannibalizing revenue from its core search business.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Devoting more funding to denial capabilities risks cannibalizing resources for military platforms more capable of threatening punishment, such as stealthy bombers and submarines armed with cruise missiles.
—Zack Cooper, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2025
Bryan P. Sears, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2026
But private equity firms risk cannibalizing their own businesses and accelerating the software-as-a-service, or SaaS, shakeout that’s already underway.
—Deirdre Bosa,jasmine Wu, CNBC, 12 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
At the same time, its recent performance has allayed fears that broadening its AI offerings meant cannibalizing revenue from its core search business.
—Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 17 Dec. 2025
Devoting more funding to denial capabilities risks cannibalizing resources for military platforms more capable of threatening punishment, such as stealthy bombers and submarines armed with cruise missiles.
—Zack Cooper, Foreign Affairs, 6 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalizing
Verb
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This interactive balance board connects to a free app where your body becomes the controller, using movement to play engaging games.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
18 Apr. 2026
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Mayor Karen Bass said officers will also expand their presence in the area by placing LAPD vehicles in high-visibility locations and using license plate readers in high-risk burglary areas.—
Matthew Rodriguez,
CBS News,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The collection is the result of the mill’s 20-plus years of experience recycling cotton in house.—
Angela Velasquez,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
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On Earth Day, we’re reminded that protecting the planet often begins with simple actions, like recycling a bottle, planting a tree, or using a little less energy at home.—
Dan McGowan,
Hartford Courant,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalizing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalizing. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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