variants
also canvasing
1
as in interviewing
to go around and approach (people) with a request for opinions or information
we canvassed people all over town, asking if they would be interested in participating in a recycling program
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in discussing
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
canvassed all the items on the agenda
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of canvassing
Bacha remembers getting her first inkling that victory might be possible during a canvassing event, at Grand Army Plaza, in January, 2025.
—
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Hill filed the lawsuit against Rose and Orlando’s canvassing board about a week after the election.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
Officers remain on scene canvassing the area, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Detectives canvassing the neighborhood learned Arechiga had been seen at the residence earlier in the day.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
After canvassing, the NBA didn’t appear to drum up much interest or any bidding war on the trade market.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Clouse said investigators spent four days processing the Arizona home and canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses, surveillance video and other evidence.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Hundreds of officers from across nine federal and local law enforcement agencies have been intensely canvassing that area, Perez said, adding that investigators are seeking the public's help to get more video of the area from any time on the day of the shooting.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
Police are now canvassing the area around the school looking to obtain video footage from home owners in the area.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026
Hill filed the lawsuit against Rose and Orlando’s canvassing board about a week after the election.
—Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026
Officers remain on scene canvassing the area, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses.
—Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 11 Jan. 2026
Detectives canvassing the neighborhood learned Arechiga had been seen at the residence earlier in the day.
—Sydney Barragan, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
After canvassing, the NBA didn’t appear to drum up much interest or any bidding war on the trade market.
—Zach Harper, New York Times, 8 Jan. 2026
Clouse said investigators spent four days processing the Arizona home and canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses, surveillance video and other evidence.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 Dec. 2025
Hundreds of officers from across nine federal and local law enforcement agencies have been intensely canvassing that area, Perez said, adding that investigators are seeking the public's help to get more video of the area from any time on the day of the shooting.
—Nicole Acevedo, NBC news, 17 Dec. 2025
Police are now canvassing the area around the school looking to obtain video footage from home owners in the area.
—Chris Spargo, PEOPLE, 15 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvassing
Verb
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After interviewing with the Ravens and Steelers this coaching cycle, Flores’ lawsuit probably contributed to his not receiving a second chance to coach after the Dolphins fired him following the 2021 season.—
Antwan Staley,
New York Daily News,
6 Feb. 2026
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She’s known for interviewing major political leaders, covering breaking news and co-hosting major events for NBC.—
Dina Kaur,
AZCentral.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In recent years, Lewinsky has since reemerged as an anti-bullying advocate and public speaker, frequently discussing the lasting consequences of public shaming and how the scandal continues to shape her life today.—
Stephanie Giang-Paunon,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
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The roughly minute-long video centered on footage discussing unsubstantiated voter fraud allegations in the 2020 presidential election before briefly flipping to the clip of the Obamas.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Matthew Smith, surveying the audience, knows they are locked in.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
23 Jan. 2026
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While many Americans use drones for fun, racing them competitively or using them to capture sweeping panoramic videos, many have grown to rely on the cheap drones for business purposes — from surveying whale blowholes to pollinating cornfields.—
Jared Perlo,
NBC news,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Florida House of Representatives is debating legislation that would require local governments to allow single-family homeowners to build accessory dwelling units — commonly known as efficiencies or granny flats — on their properties.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
7 Feb. 2026
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Join Richard Sher’s panel with Vatz, Catalina Byrd, Jimmy Mathis and Barry Gogel debating the continuing feud between Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.—
Bill Wachsberger,
Baltimore Sun,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Attorneys for a Utah woman accused of murdering her husband are seeking a last-minute change of venue, arguing the case has become too well-known locally for justice to be decided by an impartial jury.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
7 Feb. 2026
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The Scottish sea air has produced a number of maverick electronic musicians—Rustie, Hudson Mohawke, Proc Fiskal—and in recent years, KAVARI’s prolific, sound design–forward work is arguing the case for her induction into the pantheon.—
James Gui,
Pitchfork,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canvassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvassing. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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