as in uses
to remove parts from a machine, car, etc., to repair or build another one
He cannibalized one washing machine to fix another. Many parts of the engine were cannibalized from older cars.
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Recent Examples of cannibalizes
Should Netflix prevail, WBD’s cable assets would be split off, effectively stranding the linear networks as the industry leader cannibalizes the content engine for its digital platform.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalizes
Verb
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The lab uses seawater to wash the aquariums.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
25 Apr. 2026
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For example, exercise helps lower triglycerides – a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy, but can raise your risk of heart disease when levels are too high.—
Daryl Austin,
USA Today,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Your Second Life platform recycles denim into new feedstocks.—
SJ Studio,
Footwear News,
21 Apr. 2026
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Cotton Lives On recycles cotton garments and converts the fiber into roll-up mats for people at risk of homelessness.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalizes. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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