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

Health Department staff are canvassing the neighborhood to spread awareness of the disease, Martin said. — Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Police who were canvassing in the area of East 34th Street and Troost Avenue on Tuesday morning found Mahmud and took him into custody. — Nathan Pilling, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026

News of Jabal’s disappearance and the reward money spread through the neighborhood via posters, Reddit, and a handful of volunteers who canvassed Park Slope. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 16 Sep. 2026

Police say investigation is active Police declined to say whether Forbes’ home had surveillance cameras and whether investigators had reviewed any footage from the home or canvassed neighbors for video. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2026