canvass

verb

ˈkan-vəs How to pronounce canvass (audio)
variants also canvas
Definition of canvassnext
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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 canvass The organization is helping provide fliers the family can use to canvas the area and will serve as a conduit with law enforcement while determining what other assistance the family needs. — Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 6 Oct. 2026 Some time later, they were seen canvassing the area looking for surveillance video and witnesses. — Naveen Dhaliwal, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026 The canvassing board is made up of Garcia and two county judges, and is responsible for determining the validity of ballots and whether they should be counted. — Joshua Ceballos, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026 Officers canvassed the neighborhood and were following leads in the investigation, a spokesperson said Thursday. — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 1 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for canvass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvass
  1. survey
  2. debate
  3. interview
  4. discuss
  5. argue
Verb
  • Stewart and Addyman meanwhile surveyed more than 2,000 parents to identify noises their babies responded to, which included animal sounds and other children’s laughter (both of which feature in the song).
    — Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, around 36% of investors surveyed in the EII rated the EU’s approach to innovation and entrepreneurship poorly or very poorly.
    — Sophie Dembinski, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of survey
Verb
  • But on Monday, Broadcom CEO Hock Tan likened many of the investors drawn to the AI boom to gamblers and questioned the economics of AI labs as Wall Street debates whether the AI bubble will burst.
    — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The candidates for county judge debated the county’s most pressing issues, including budget management, flood control and jail diversion.
    — Katie Bartlett, San Antonio Express-News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • Warsh will be speaking at the annual meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, where he will be interviewed by IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.
    — Steve Kopack, NBC news, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Following the debate, reporters gathered to interview Harris.
    — Drew Aunkst, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of interview
Verb
  • The American Academy of Peptide Medicine is slated to meet with the Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday to discuss the pending regulation.
    — David Lim, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Fernandes recently met with Malaysian government officials to discuss funding support for the airline, Reuters reported last week citing unnamed sources.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • Others are skeptical the task force can accomplish much in such a short time period, arguing that eventually sweeping new legislation will be needed to regulate AI.
    — Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Consumer advocates have argued that digital labels could eventually be used for surge pricing or personalized pricing.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of argue

Browse Nearby Words

canvases
canvass
canvassed
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Cite this Entry

“Canvass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvass. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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