cannibalize

Definition of cannibalizenext
as in to use
to remove parts from a machine, car, etc., to repair or build another one He cannibalized one washing machine to fix another. Many parts of the engine were cannibalized from older cars.

Related Words

Relevance

Dissimilar Words

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 cannibalize Some users may not want their Twitch content used to train Amazon AI because of a lack of financial benefit, concerns that AI could cannibalize their business, or an aversion to the broader Amazon conglomerate. Scharon Harding, ArsTechnica, 12 Aug. 2026 Nakano says both companies were uncertain whether free distribution would feed the subscription service or cannibalize it. Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 Ensembles of this size historically cannibalize their own campaigns, splitting supporting votes into confetti. Clayton Davis, Variety, 23 July 2026 Just as a host shouldn’t cannibalize their guests, guests shouldn’t overstay their welcome—which is exactly what the suitors courting Penelope do. Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalize
Verb
  • Operators can also continue using diesel when hydrogen supplies are unavailable.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Razorbill brings that experience to one of the industry's most recognizable blade profiles, using extensive CNC machining to make geometry itself part of both the product's performance and its appearance.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Environmentalists and lawmakers agree the new law will be expensive for large businesses that have to reduce their packaging or find alternative materials that can be recycled or composted.
    Susanne Rust Follow, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
  • All city recycling drop-off locations except for the Strip District location will be closed for Labor Day.
    Finch Walker, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cannibalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalize. 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!