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

Emery Sheriff’s job consists of standing outside and talking to people passing by, fundraising and canvassing for her company’s organization. — Nicole Pilsbury, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2026

The suspect was last seen heading behind the building, police said, and officers canvassed the area to try to find him. — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026

Members canvassed Long Island City in the pouring rain with Open New York in support of the OneLIC rezoning. — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 13 July 2026

Already, nearly three-quarters of employers are reporting significant difficulty in hiring engineers, according to the survey, which canvassed semiconductor companies. — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 8 July 2026