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

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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
  • Those critiques gave rise to fears that the Marshals could be caught in the middle of a power struggle if the White House or Justice Department direct them to ignore a court order or to yank security from judges, the Democrats said.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 22 May 2025
  • Set for theatrical release in 2026, Phantom is directed by D-Day founder Lester Hsi (The Bridge Curse, The Bridge Curse: Ritual).
    Sara Merican, Deadline, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Rihanna seemed to channel her own character for her dress inspo, as the Smurfs actress wore a beautiful blue tie-neck halter gown, which, similar to Tuesday's dress, also donned cutouts at her midriff.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 21 May 2025
  • Blythe and Grey Blythe and Grey channeled the feel of the Italian Riviera when designing the patio of a Spanish-style Phoenix home built in the 1940s.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025
Verb
  • Those changes include channelizing the bay in some places and transforming it into dunes and marshland in others.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The statement is in effect until 8 p.m. Caught in a rip: How to stay safe Rip currents are channelized currents of water flowing away from shore at surf beaches.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • As venture capital money poured into tech, brands funneled more of their budget into expanding their stacks.
    Tate Olinghouse, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • During his hearing, a judge recommended that the man hire an attorney to seek asylum and told him his case could now be funneled through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, shortly before he was taken into custody by ICE.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The volunteers then sat in the basement of Marsh Chapel, at Boston University, and listened to a Good Friday sermon piped in from the pulpit above them.
    Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025
  • People are lounging on floor cushions, nestled on the couch, mingling and making art by the communal table, and lining up in front of the bar—waiting as the bartender prepares their drink of choice: piping hot tea.
    Jasmine Ting, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants carries a maximum term of 20 years of imprisonment.
    Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 30 May 2025
  • The powerful currents of flash floods can carry drivers off the road.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • The Division of Aging Services also contracted with the University of North Georgia’s Institute for Healthy Aging in 2025 to conduct the Georgia Respite Care Study.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The audit said the investigation was being conducted by an independent forensic expert and law enforcement.
    Charles Rabin, Miami Herald, 21 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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