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
  • Direct-to-consumer programs Some employers are directing workers to buy GLP-1s through direct-to-consumer options like Novo Nordisk's NovoCare or Eli Lilly's LillyDirect.
    — Cheryl Winokur Munk, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Chinese documentary filmmaker Nanfu Wang produced and directed One Child Nation (2019) alongside Jialing Zhang to explore the legacy of China’s one-child policy (late 1970s–2016).
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of direct
Verb
  • Inspired by true events that unfolded just minutes from where Groff grew up, The Amish Project is an intimate portrait of a place and a community channeled through a single performer.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The Brundle Edition Turbo is Charlie’s way of channeling her father’s many track achievements into a single car.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 23 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
  • New York — As a new mom-to-be, my social media feeds have clocked me — funneling endless videos my way about pregnancy, nursery prep and birth stories, to the point of baby information overload.
    — Clare Duffy, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026
  • During the first years of the war, Russia’s nuclear muscle flexing and hybrid warfare failed to prevent Ukraine’s allies from funneling financial support, military aid, and targeting intelligence to Kyiv.
    — Dmitry Adamsky, Foreign Affairs, 21 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
  • Each canister holds four missiles, allowing compatible launch systems to carry multiple interceptors within a single launch cell.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The Kings carried their 1-0 lead deep into the second period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of carry
Verb
  • Kyiv has accused Russian forces of mining nearby roads and using the remaining residents as human shields to prevent Ukraine’s army from conducting offensive operations in the town.
    — Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Planning Commissioner Chris Salley asked if the city would conduct a fiscal impact study on each project where these incentives were offered and how would the city decide which project to subsidize.
    — Marc Hayot, Arkansas Online, 27 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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