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
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Recent Examples of canvass
Officers from multiple agencies canvassed and searched the area to ensure no one was injured, to attempt to locate anyone involved, and to preserve and recover potential evidence.
—
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
The hunt for Joel continued on March 21 as authorities canvassed thick woods.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
In recent weeks, bankers have been canvassing potential investors for feedback, trying to strike a balance that ensures a smooth path for an IPO that Wall Street is counting on to go well, these people said.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The campaign is planning a surge of rallies and canvassing events this weekend, timed for the expansion of early voting to dozens more satellite locations across Virginia.
—Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canvass
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 9 Apr. 2026
The hunt for Joel continued on March 21 as authorities canvassed thick woods.
—David Chiu, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026
In recent weeks, bankers have been canvassing potential investors for feedback, trying to strike a balance that ensures a smooth path for an IPO that Wall Street is counting on to go well, these people said.
—Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 9 Apr. 2026
The campaign is planning a surge of rallies and canvassing events this weekend, timed for the expansion of early voting to dozens more satellite locations across Virginia.
—Russell Berman, The Atlantic, 9 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for canvass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvass
Verb
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Eight in 10 women of childbearing age surveyed by KFF in 2024 reported having used some form of contraception in the previous 12 months.—
Dr. Céline Gounder,
CBS News,
16 Apr. 2026
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Of the people experiencing homelessness in the affected communities who were surveyed in the study, more than three-quarters reported injuries or other major disruptions to their lives because of the fires.—
Meg Tanaka,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Policy experts have begun to debate whether the act applies to negotiations beyond free broadcast TV distribution.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
10 Apr. 2026
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Curriculum debates crop up occasionally.—
Heather Hollingsworth,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In interviewing Holocaust survivors about their lives, members of the Shoah Foundation also anticipated questions that students might ask.—
Imani Cruzen,
Twin Cities,
17 Apr. 2026
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Merchants are being forced to pay higher freight costs to receive and deliver flowers, with some seeing summertime weddings downsizing table arrangements and bouquet orders — or paying deposits at the last minute thanks to tighter budgets, according to managers interviewed.—
Pat Maio,
Oc Register,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Nothing has been officially scheduled yet, the official said, who asked not to be named to discuss the administration's internal plans.—
Joseph Wilkins,Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
15 Apr. 2026
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According to the agenda, the Board of Managers will discuss behind closed doors the decision not to renew or terminate certain contracts, then take up a public vote.—
Lacey Beasley,
CBS News,
15 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Painted in 1921, that painting was purchased for the raffle from billionaire art collector David Nahmad, who argued in an Associated Press interview that Picasso would have approved of raffling his work.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Apr. 2026
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Bart argues that such promotion has a salutary social function, reaching people in underserved communities who might not otherwise be aware that they are entitled to aggressive, contingency-fee advocacy.—
Patrick Radden Keefe,
New Yorker,
13 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canvass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvass. Accessed 20 Apr. 2026.
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