canalize

verb

ˈka-nə-ˌlīz How to pronounce canalize (audio)
Definition of canalizenext
as in to direct
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway the director of the charity should be canalizing the flow of donations so that the money ends up where it is most needed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of canalize Some became conscious of the role a state could play in intervening in the economy in order to curb and canalize democracy. — Zeev Sternhell, Slate Magazine, 7 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canalize
  1. direct
  2. channel
  3. channelize
  4. funnel
  5. pipe
  6. carry
  7. conduct
Verb
  • Five films are directed by filmmakers from outside the Baltic countries, with Baltic talent and expertise playing significant roles in their production.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 14 Oct. 2026
  • People should still be involved, but their time can be directed where it’s needed, affecting cost, speed, accuracy and service quality.
    — Ozan Ozerk, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of direct
Verb
  • In this golden age of cringe, that earlier art of transgression—with its tense silences, humiliations, and hostile disturbance of the performer-audience relationship—was channeled downstream.
    — Eugenie Brinkema, ARTnews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • The spending was channelled through private contractor Chemonics.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of channel
Verb
  • The Don River flowing through Toronto into Lake Ontario had been channelized, encased in concrete, and diverted nearly at a right angle to output at a different location.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 3 June 2026
  • Upstream from Upper Klamath Lake, a key tributary was channelized and wetlands drained, resulting in massive amounts of phosphorus flowing into the Upper Klamath Lake and, eventually, the lower river.
    — Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 29 Dec. 2025
Definition of channelize
Verb
  • Its hollow masts also act as ventilators, funneling air up when heated in the sun.
    — Sal Vaglica, Time, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Comans had filed a lawsuit in July 2025 that challenged her removal and argued that DHS and FEMA harmed her reputation by falsely accusing her of funneling millions of dollars to New York City for the hotels.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of funnel
Verb
  • Storyteller Overland The slim kitchen block comes with a stainless steel sink piped to a 76-L fresh water tank.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Available CabinWatch lets parents see rear passengers on the dashboard screen, while CabinTalk pipes the driver’s voice through rear speakers or connected headphones.
    — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of pipe
Verb
  • Over the years the retailer has carried third-party denim in its stores such as Re/Done, A GoldE and Acne.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Funding arrangements should reflect who benefits and who carries the risk.
    — Hani Assi, Forbes.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • In response, Logan said his office is focused on conducting a fair and secure election while noting that Election Day is a mere 18 days away.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Oct. 2026
  • That answer is unlikely to satisfy many Democratic primary voters, according to a poll of six early primary states conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of conduct

Browse Nearby Words

canal
canalize
canalized
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Cite this Entry

“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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