variants
also canvasing
1
as in interviewing
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 discussing
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of canvassing
The investigation has centered on what could have happened on that night, with the FBI and law enforcement canvassing the neighborhood, talking to people who live nearby, and investigating even a possible empty house near where Nancy Guthrie lived.
—
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Apr. 2026
Emergency crews from several departments were called to assist in canvassing the area for him.
—Erika Stanish, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
One Instagram reel on Hallquist's account showed the mayoral candidate canvassing door-to-door with his golden retriever.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Volunteers have been combing hiking trails, canvassing neighborhoods and checking in with local businesses in hopes of finding any trace of Hillyard.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Officers canvassing in the area Sunday spotted Goodwell, who matched the description of one of the assailants, near 17th Street and Imperial Avenue and arrested him.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Detectives have continued the investigation, collecting evidence, obtaining witness statements and canvassing the area for security camera footage, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Sheriff’s department patrol officers responded, canvassing locations to which Webber might have fled.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Investigators began canvassing the area, looking at surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Apr. 2026
Emergency crews from several departments were called to assist in canvassing the area for him.
—Erika Stanish, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
One Instagram reel on Hallquist's account showed the mayoral candidate canvassing door-to-door with his golden retriever.
—Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Volunteers have been combing hiking trails, canvassing neighborhoods and checking in with local businesses in hopes of finding any trace of Hillyard.
—Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2026
Officers canvassing in the area Sunday spotted Goodwell, who matched the description of one of the assailants, near 17th Street and Imperial Avenue and arrested him.
—Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2026
Detectives have continued the investigation, collecting evidence, obtaining witness statements and canvassing the area for security camera footage, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
—Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2026
Sheriff’s department patrol officers responded, canvassing locations to which Webber might have fled.
—Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Investigators began canvassing the area, looking at surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
—Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvassing
Verb
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Detectives interviewing Yates in the hospital where he was treated learned the suspect had been in a band with the victim’s son.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Her deputy was the one who granted limited immunity to Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, while interviewing her over two days in July 2025.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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As of now, more than 40 countries brought together by the United Kingdom are discussing how to reopen the strait through diplomatic means after the war is over.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Apr. 2026
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On April 14, the Tamalpais Union High School District will be discussing and potentially voting on a plan that would restrict cellphone usage on campus.—
Sooji Nam,
CBS News,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Maritime archaeologists from the Danish Viking Ship Museum found the ship, which was sunk during the the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, while surveying the site on the seabed of Copenhagen Harbor ahead of the construction of an artificial island.—
Lianne Kolirin,
CNN Money,
2 Apr. 2026
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Marine archaeologists began surveying the area late last year, targeting a spot thought to match the flagship's final position.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Pop culture depictions of school shootings have often stoked controversy, with many viewers debating the line between storytelling and sensitivity.—
Saba Hamedy,
NBC news,
3 Apr. 2026
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The shows have been a talker online among fans and hip hop pundits, who are debating who will put on a better set.—
Taylor Ardrey,
USA Today,
3 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Greenwood Village Police Department investigators said the men had been arguing while driving with two other people in the SUV when Hernandez pulled over and everyone but Hernandez got out of the vehicle to cool down.—
Katie Langford,
Denver Post,
3 Apr. 2026
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The city sued, arguing the Angels were violating the lease, but a jury sided with the baseball team.—
Victoria Le,
Oc Register,
3 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canvassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvassing. Accessed 10 Apr. 2026.
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