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

Relevance

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
Verb
  • The festival later added to the competition with the Gaza documentary NAZA, co-directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, bringing the total to two.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
  • The matching fabric shade is designed to diffuse some of the light and direct it downward for a softer, more ambient effect.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The film looks at Bareilles’ experience of channeling her own pain to create art and the healing journey that accompanied it.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Citizen, published two months after Brown’s killing, seemed to channel that righteous fury.
    Charles Finch, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026
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
Verb
  • The men’s pro basketball league found that his Los Angeles Clippers illegally circumvented its salary cap by funneling millions of dollars, off the books, to star player Kawhi Leonard.
    Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The deal is the latest example of Gulf capital being funneled into Syria’s reconstruction, aligned with a broader US effort to keep the country out of Iran’s orbit.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 2 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The cost of powering homes is also up, with electricity and piped gas both costing around 4% more annually.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 25 Aug. 2026
  • The collection also features a special Poké Ball Doughnut, glazed and dipped in vanilla icing, topped with red sprinkles and piped with chocolate icing.
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Washington claimed that the launchers were preparing to fire rockets carrying sea mines into the Hormuz Strait.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
  • When difficulty arrives, will your routines carry you forward?
    Jason Bork, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani said an internal investigation will be conducted and that the body-camera footage will be released to the public.
    Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Mamdani applauded police for stopping the attack but said an internal investigation would be conducted.
    Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!