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

Bacha remembers getting her first inkling that victory might be possible during a canvassing event, at Grand Army Plaza, in January, 2025. —Molly Fischer, New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2026

Service in cities that cut ties with DART would end the day after votes are canvassed. —Lilly Kersh, Dallas Morning News, 17 Jan. 2026

Hill filed the lawsuit against Rose and Orlando’s canvassing board about a week after the election. —Ryan Gillespie, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Jan. 2026

For 10 days, detectives canvassed the neighborhood, knocking on doors, interviewing residents and downloading security camera footage, Jones said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 Jan. 2026