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 That means a canvassing board will compare your signature to the one in your voter registration record. — Amaia Gavica, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026 Ross says investigators canvassed the neighborhood and began to piece together a timeline. — Meghan O'Brien, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026 The protest wrapped up with canvassing training across the street at Community Christian Church. — Dominick Williams, Kansas City Star, 17 Oct. 2026 When a bank has an open C-suite seat, the instinct is to canvass the market, or hire an executive recruiter, to find a banker to fill it. — Paul Davis, Forbes.com, 16 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
  • Only about 21% of residents surveyed for the health assessment said there were enough well-paying jobs locally.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the potential for turbulence caused by the midterms, the financial advisers surveyed recommend staying the course.
    — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of survey
Verb
  • This month, the council held a nine-hour hearing to debate tax proposals, including the BAT, as the council attempts to mitigate budget shortfalls for fiscal year 2028.
    — Irit Skulnik, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026
  • When Risch declined to debate, Achilles showed up to directly confront the incumbent at a limited public appearance in Boise, where Risch was set to speak at a 9/11 memorial event.
    — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • Over the years Holt has interviewed political candidates on both sides of the aisle and is an experienced political debate moderator.
    — Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The couple were sold, tapping Buck without interviewing anyone else.
    — Elizabeth Fazzare, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of interview
Verb
  • What readers are saying The comments discuss various aspects of maintaining health and well-being as one ages, emphasizing the importance of exercise, healthy eating, adequate sleep, and mental activity.
    — Richard Sima, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026
  • Without a sustained industrial push that the EU has only begun to discuss, Europe can raise the commercial and regulatory costs of the route, but cannot prevent or replace the China-Russia partnership that now operates it.
    — Lee Ying Shan,Matthew Tan, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • Rubio has argued that before holding new elections, Venezuela must stabilize its economy and rebuild its institutions, including its courts and electoral council.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Catholics have used Scripture to argue for and against deportations and strict immigration enforcement.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 25 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 29 Oct. 2026.

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