canvassing

verb

variants also canvasing
present participle of canvass
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

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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. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of canvassing Animal Care and Control officers are canvassing the area in an effort to determine who owns them. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 27 Aug. 2026 Detectives are also canvassing nearby businesses for surveillance footage that may help identify the shooter. — Abby Dodge, CBS News, 18 Aug. 2026 The coalition has been canvassing the state, visiting churches, grocery stores and neighborhoods to talk to residents about the issue and gathering 3,500 signatures to present to lawmakers in hopes of inspiring legislative change. — Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 14 Aug. 2026 Detectives and crime scene investigators were at the scene Thursday, canvassing for witnesses and processing evidence. — Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026 That had James canvassing potential landing spots, including the return to his hometown to play for the Cavaliers and a potential pairing with Stephen Curry with the Golden State Warriors. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2026 But the Cubs, canvassing the entire market for starters, potentially could line up with the Los Angeles Angels for righty José Soriano or lefty Reid Detmers as well. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 23 July 2026 Emery Sheriff’s job consists of standing outside and talking to people passing by, fundraising and canvassing for her company’s organization. — Nicole Pilsbury, Baltimore Sun, 16 July 2026 Investigators were canvassing nearby businesses for surveillance footage because there was no body-camera video of the shooting itself. — Eric MacK, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvassing
  1. interviewing
  2. discussing
  3. surveying
  4. debating
  5. arguing
Verb
  • Observe the work for 30 to 60 days rather than interviewing people about it.
    — Manish Garg, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Strahan is interviewing Ariana Grande, who just became engaged to Davidson, for ABC News.
    — Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of interviewing
Verb
  • This means a vaccine or treatment isn't routinely recommended for everyone, but may be appropriate for some people after discussing the benefits and risks with a healthcare provider.
    — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The show features Lovett and a panel of guests from the worlds of politics, comedy, journalism and business discussing and poking fun at the news of the week.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of discussing
Verb
  • Chilean and international researchers surveying the country's major breeding colonies in 2024 and 2025 found a 63% drop in active nests compared to the same sites three years earlier.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Sep. 2026
  • This year, Funai, Brazil’s Indigenous affairs agency, has been surveying non-Indigenous occupants and setting aside funds to compensate them for moving out.
    — Marina Dias, Washington Post, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of surveying
Verb
  • No one in the courtroom is debating Patrick Clancy’s guilt or innocence.
    — Addie Morfoot, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Iran’s parliament is debating a bill to withdraw from the NPT, according to Iranian lawmakers.
    — Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of debating
Verb
  • The group has—so far unsuccessfully—called on both the NCAA and Big 12 to end the affiliation, arguing against universities participating in a youth-facing marketing campaign for energy drinks.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Approaching a parent with love and concern instead of arguing for their treatment can help alleviate a lot of stress.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of arguing

Browse Nearby Words

canvasses
canvassing
canyon
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Cite this Entry

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

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