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

Relevance

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
Verb
  • The former is an action drama directed by Suresh Triveni and fronted by Anil Kapoor; and the latter an original drama series starring Bhumi Pednekar.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The policy directs higher education institutions not to create a list of student names linked with immigration status or retain sensitive information, like a student or parent’s Social Security number, for longer than necessary.
    — Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • After his best friend died of AIDS, activist Cleve Jones channeled his grief into a sewing project that became the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
    — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Oct. 2026
  • More than two years later, Selma Blair is taking the fallout over her Islamophobic comments and channeling it into a documentary about antisemitism.
    — Glenn Garner, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026
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
Verb
  • Critics erupted after details revealed the blueprint increases funding for Partners Against the Hate, funneling millions to the Arab American Association of New York, a group notorious for its aggressive anti-Israel advocacy.
    — Staff, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2026
  • There’s all of these kind of duct tape being put around things that aren’t quite fit for purpose on the financing side, which just seems to me to funnel the risk up to, again, that handful of companies.
    — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 8 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Riyadh has brought oil exports close to prewar levels by piping crude to the Red Sea and sending tankers through Hormuz, despite Iranian threats.
    — Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Lucid offers a couple of relaxation videos that span both screens, while also piping in atmospheric audio to transport you to the beach or lakeside.
    — Tyler Hayes, PC Magazine, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • An ammunition depot was hit, as were a bulk carrier in the Chornomorsk port carrying dual-use goods and port infrastructure in Izmail, the ministry said.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2026
  • As the hundreds of thousands of people made their way down the narrow roads following the politician, a few rerouted into the industry event, still carrying big flags and with faces lit up with hope.
    — Rafa Sales Ross, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In fact, their 2026 Giving Signals Report, conducted with The Harris Poll, pegged millennials as the most active donor generation right now.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Jeong-yo is conducting a choir of children inside of the church.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!