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

Detectives are also canvassing nearby businesses for surveillance footage that may help identify the shooter. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026

In a study done by Lurie Children’s Hospital a few years ago, researchers canvassed parents in all 77 neighborhoods and found that 46% of children had never been exposed to water safety or swimming lessons. — Michael McColly, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

The coalition has been canvassing the state, visiting churches, grocery stores and neighborhoods to talk to residents about the issue and gathering 3,500 signatures to present to lawmakers in hopes of inspiring legislative change. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026

The political opposition could still freely canvass, freely campaign, freely corral new voters into their camps. — Literary Hub, 14 Aug. 2026