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

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

According to a league source, Boston’s front office has been making calls and canvasing the league to see what might be available. —Jen McCaffrey, New York Times, 23 May 2026