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 Boston Police are investigating and canvassed the area on Saturday while crews worked to clean up the aftermath of the shooting. — Paul Burton, CBS News, 27 June 2026 The Wolves are not pursuing Memphis point guard Ja Morant, according to team sources, but will continue to canvas the league for other possibilities. — Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 23 June 2026 Detectives responded and canvassed the area, including reviewing nearby security camera footage and collecting physical evidence from the scene for further analysis, according to the statement. — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2026 Concern for homeless New Yorkers during heat wave New York City has deployed teams to begin citywide canvassing to identify people experiencing homelessness to get them into shelters or cooling centers to escape triple-digit temperatures. — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for canvass
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvass
  1. survey
  2. debate
  3. interview
  4. discuss
  5. argue
Verb
  • Almost 100 years later, Stanley Hurst and others surveyed the damage after the Mississippi receded.
    — Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
  • Roman will pair a large field of view with crisp infrared vision to survey deep, vast swaths of sky.
    — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 July 2026
Definition of survey
Verb
  • Georgia’s most influential dishes could be debated vigorously, but there’s no question that food has been an integral part of the South’s culture.
    — Olivia Wakim, AJC.com, 4 July 2026
  • The other was Michael Longfellow’s sketch about a guy dying at the top of a waterslide and debating whether he should be pushed down the slide or carried down the stairs, which was the only thing Bargatze kept talking about all week.
    — Jesse David Fox, Vulture, 4 July 2026
Definition of debate
Verb
  • The police said that the allegations were first reported to the police in January 2025 and Glitter was interviewed in relation to the investigation in July 2025.
    — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 2 July 2026
  • Who said what Amnesty analyzed video and documentary evidence and interviewed 246 people for its report, including 208 survivors, 39 of whom were children.
    — Rafi Schwartz, TheWeek, 2 July 2026
Definition of interview
Verb
  • In other news, NATO leaders are meeting this week and officials are expected to discuss security in the Strait of Hormuz.
    — Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • While discussing the vows with her cohosts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan, Roberts added that Swift and Kelce's neighbors and high school friends were also among the attendees.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 6 July 2026
Definition of discuss
Verb
  • The defense had argued to delay the hearing, saying in court filings this spring the high volume of discovery meant Robinson’s attorneys would be unable to adequately prepare.
    — Nicki Brown, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
  • Proponents argue recordings would solve a long-standing crisis that leaves many proceedings with no verbatim record.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of argue

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Cite this Entry

“Canvass.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvass. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on canvass

Nglish: Translation of canvass for Spanish Speakers

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