View synonyms for canvass

canvass

[ kan-vuhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to solicit votes, subscriptions, opinions, or the like from.
to examine carefully; investigate by inquiry; discuss; debate.
Synonyms: explore, scrutinize, analyze

verb (used without object)

to solicit votes, opinions, or the like.

noun

a soliciting of votes, orders, or the like.
a campaign for election to government office.
close inspection; scrutiny:
the official canvass of election results.

canvass

/ ˈkænvəs /

verb

to solicit votes, orders, advertising, etc, from
to determine the feelings and opinions of (voters before an election, etc), esp by conducting a survey
to investigate (something) thoroughly, esp by discussion or debate
to inspect (votes) officially to determine their validity

noun

a solicitation of opinions, votes, sales orders, etc
close inspection; scrutiny

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Derived Forms

ˈcanvasser, noun
ˈcanvassing, noun

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Other Words From

can·vass·er noun
pre·can·vass verb (used with object) noun
un·can·vassed adjective
un·der·can·vass verb
well-can·vassed adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of canvass¹

First recorded in 1500–10; originally a spelling variant of canvas, as a verb; the sense “discuss” apparently a development of the earlier senses “toss in a canvas sheet,” and “harshly criticize”; the sense “solicit votes” is obscurely derived

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Word History and Origins

Origin of canvass¹

C16: probably from obsolete sense of canvas (to toss someone in a canvas sheet, hence, to harass, criticize); the development of current senses is unexplained

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