Synonyms of canvass

canvass

verb

ˈkan-vəs 

variants also canvas

1

as in to survey

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

• survey
• interview
• poll
• solicit
• question
• interrogate
• sound (out)
• circularize
• feel (out)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• report

2

as in to debate

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

• debate
• discuss
• argue
• review
• talk over
• dispute
• agitate
• moot
• bat (around or back and forth)
• hash (over or out)
• raise
• bandy
• speak (about)
• consider
• stir up
• talk (about)
• introduce
• hammer out
• weigh
• propound
• wrestle (with)
• forge
• broach
• thrash (out)
• deliberate
• talk out
• chew over

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of canvass

The Wolves are not pursuing Memphis point guard Ja Morant, according to team sources, but will continue to canvas the league for other possibilities. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 23 June 2026

Detectives were canvassing the scene overnight for witnesses and were talking to people at the scene when officers arrived. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2026

Police used drones to search the woods to no avail on Friday, and officers were back canvassing the area on Monday. — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 15 June 2026

Detectives responded and canvassed the area, including reviewing nearby security camera footage and collecting physical evidence from the scene for further analysis, according to the statement. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026