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
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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
Zeev Sternhell, Slate Magazine, 7 Apr. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for canalize
Verb
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Perhaps even more ominously for wind and solar, the order further directs Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to conduct a major, 45-day review to identify any administrative policies under his jurisdiction which provide preferential treatment for wind and solar projects and move to correct them.—
David Blackmon,
Forbes.com,
9 July 2025
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The duo won Emmys for their work on both limited series, with Hanks winning an additional Emmy for directing an episode of Band of Brothers. —R.Y. The 2000s saw Hanks starring in some of his most crowd-pleasing movies.—
Rachel Yang,
EW.com,
9 July 2025
Verb
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Finish off the look with a chic scarf top and statement earrings to channel your inner Italian screen siren along the Amalfi Coast this summer, and wear them well into cooler weather thanks to the thicker drape.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
7 July 2025
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Available exclusively to guests staying in the resort’s private villas (already a flex), this new package is all about channeling La Dolce Vita.—
Jordi Lippe-McGraw,
Forbes.com,
7 July 2025
Verb
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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
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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
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In the rising steam, watching the swirl of dust collect around her drain, funneling downward like sand in an hourglass, Lily stopped to think: There was a man in her house, a stranger!—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
9 July 2025
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In this event, the extreme rainfall funneled into the Guadalupe River, which led to the rapid rise in water levels.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
7 July 2025
Verb
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That hot water is piped to buildings downtown, and arrives at about 170 degrees.—
Ian Max Stevenson
Updated July 3,
Idaho Statesman,
3 July 2025
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Dessert doesn't disappoint, as in the passion fruit and mint gelato scoops piped with macambo mousse.—
Jim Dobson,
Forbes.com,
19 June 2025
Verb
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One big winner carries the fund, while generally nine others are duds or all-out failures.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
5 July 2025
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All six would have to make a stop to change into a long dress, don a wig, and carry a handbag filled with bricks to the finish line on Power’s stage.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
5 July 2025
Verb
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Editor’s note: The interview was conducted before the tragic July 4 flooding in Texas, which prompted all major news networks to mobilize resources for breaking coverage.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
8 July 2025
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An autopsy was then conducted, which determined her death was a homicide, police said.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Canalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canalize. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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