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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
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 canvass
The fire has since been contained, and firefighters are conducting searches of the site and using a drone to canvass the area for any victims, Russ said.
—
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 28 May 2026
Deputies canvassed the neighborhood in search of the girl.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026
Once the fire was contained, Russ said, fire crews put a drone in the air to start canvassing the area for rescue operations.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026
Afterward, officers canvassed the area and collected evidence and statements.
—Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for canvass
Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 28 May 2026
Deputies canvassed the neighborhood in search of the girl.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 28 May 2026
Once the fire was contained, Russ said, fire crews put a drone in the air to start canvassing the area for rescue operations.
—Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 May 2026
Afterward, officers canvassed the area and collected evidence and statements.
—Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 26 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for canvass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvass
Verb
-
The businesses surveyed include seven restaurants and food trucks, 18 retail establishments, three construction companies and a variety of other storefronts.—
Nicole Acevedo,
NBC news,
11 June 2026
-
Just before the primary election, 44% of likely primary voters surveyed had a favorable view of Becerra compared to 38% who viewed him unfavorably.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
11 June 2026
Verb
-
Since then versions of the project have proliferated and been debated but none has advanced to the current stage.—
Dan Walters,
Mercury News,
19 Aug. 2025
-
The files show that faculty swapped stories about Kohberger and debated pulling his funding and TA position, citing unnerving classroom conduct.—
Danya Gainor,
CNN Money,
19 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
He was identified and charged after detectives interviewed witnesses and reviewed video surveillance among other online records.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Local public health officials interviewed his family, who reported that he had not been exposed at any animals.—
Angela Palermo,
Idaho Statesman,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
The proposal could increase parking rates to as much as $3 per hour, though city leaders will discuss the final details at Tuesday evening's council meeting.—
Brady Halbleib,
CBS News,
17 June 2026
-
Plot to rob a military ammunition plant Officials said the group discussed a backup plan to steal military ordnance after determining that its members lacked the expertise needed to manufacture homemade explosives.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
17 June 2026
Verb
-
Opponents to the development argued that the circumstances are different and that the court's decision does not apply to the Greeley case.—
Dillon Thomas,
CBS News,
16 June 2026
-
One of the project’s most significant adversaries is the city of Sacramento — while the area is not under their governance, city officials argue the development would violate a decades-old habitat conservation agreement with the county.—
Jennah Pendleton,
Sacbee.com,
16 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canvass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvass. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
