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 fatal shooting drew a large law enforcement presence that Sunday night as authorities worked at the scene in the parking lot and investigators canvassed nearby businesses searching for witnesses. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

The Athletic has canvassed the opinion of 25 stakeholders in the sport to get their top 10 pound-for-pound lists. — Chris McKenna, New York Times, 28 July 2026

Early in his time as CEO, Van Saun canvassed all 18,000 of his employees, looking for suggestions on how to run the bank better. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 24 July 2026

That had James canvassing potential landing spots, including the return to his hometown to play for the Cavaliers and a potential pairing with Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026