variants
also canvasing
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
Relevance
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
Instead, as Quick reported, Dundon has already been canvassing the basketball world for Splitter’s possible replacement while clearly not caring about the awful optics.
—
Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Beyond protesting, the Wide Awakes were involved in canvassing for Democrats during Georgia’s 2021 election cycle.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026
By the afternoon, several people who appeared to be law enforcement agents were canvassing the neighborhood, with one wearing an FBI sweatshirt.
—Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
By the afternoon, several people who appeared to be law enforcement agents were canvassing the neighborhood, with one wearing an FBI sweatshirt.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Over the next two days, officers and personnel from the medical examiner’s office conducted an extensive search, canvassing the area with cadaver dogs, which identified the possible presence of additional remains near a drainage pipe.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
The group has been canvassing neighborhoods and manned information booths at the local farmers’ market.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
At the time, police canvassing the area found a Glock 45 in a yard near where the shooting occurred.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
The ensuing investigation included interviewing witnesses, canvassing for evidence and examining surveillance video, police said.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Sam Amick, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
Beyond protesting, the Wide Awakes were involved in canvassing for Democrats during Georgia’s 2021 election cycle.
—Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 27 Apr. 2026
By the afternoon, several people who appeared to be law enforcement agents were canvassing the neighborhood, with one wearing an FBI sweatshirt.
—Alanna Durkin Richer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
By the afternoon, several people who appeared to be law enforcement agents were canvassing the neighborhood, with one wearing an FBI sweatshirt.
—ABC News, 26 Apr. 2026
Over the next two days, officers and personnel from the medical examiner’s office conducted an extensive search, canvassing the area with cadaver dogs, which identified the possible presence of additional remains near a drainage pipe.
—Hanna Park, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026
The group has been canvassing neighborhoods and manned information booths at the local farmers’ market.
—Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 23 Apr. 2026
At the time, police canvassing the area found a Glock 45 in a yard near where the shooting occurred.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 22 Apr. 2026
The ensuing investigation included interviewing witnesses, canvassing for evidence and examining surveillance video, police said.
—Austin Turner, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canvassing
Verb
-
From speaking to trainers and owners on the walkover to the paddock to interviewing the winning jockey on horseback, Brothers has been front and center for some of the most emotional moments of NBC’s horse racing coverage.—
Joe Reedy,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
-
The Regina Hicks murder case remained unsolved for decades until a cold case team from the Ohio Attorney General's Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation took over and began re-interviewing key witnesses.—
Mason Leath,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
That includes discussing the full range of available approaches—including where options like Myfembree may fit—within the context of your own symptoms, priorities and health history.—
Lauryn Higgins,
Flow Space,
1 May 2026
-
Here is a look at Miami’s defensive roster after the NFL draft, discussing the potential roles of the newcomers added recently.—
Omar Kelly
May 1,
Miami Herald,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Reynders and Amy Franco from the Hillside Public Library have been surveying other libraries in recent months and learned several are still waiting for 2024 tax year distributions.—
A.D. Quig,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
The National Weather Service is still surveying the damage done and will have a report in the upcoming days.—
Lauren Bostwick,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Idaho lawmakers spent hours debating a surge in rodents menacing Boise-area gardens and kitchens and threatening agriculture and public health.—
Karin Brulliard,
Washington Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The hoods might just as well evoke the garb of Christian monks debating whether the soul is distinct from the body.—
Dawn Chan,
The New York Review of Books,
25 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
DeSantis is arguing that Florida’s significant growth over the past few years merits a redraw of the state’s congressional boundaries.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
1 May 2026
-
On homelessness, Steyer wants to expand interim housing options with services, arguing the state has focused too much on building permanent housing for the homeless that is too costly and takes too long to open.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Canvassing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canvassing. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
