as in uses
to remove parts from a machine, car, etc., to repair or build another one
He cannibalized one washing machine to fix another. Many parts of the engine were cannibalized from older cars.
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Recent Examples of cannibalizes
Should Netflix prevail, WBD’s cable assets would be split off, effectively stranding the linear networks as the industry leader cannibalizes the content engine for its digital platform.
—
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 29 Dec. 2025
But if the workforce can’t scale with those policies, the policy just cannibalizes itself.
—Andrew Leahey, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalizes
Verb
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The Renpho MorphoScan Nova Body Composition Scale uses dual-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to calculate the precise makeup of your body during your weigh-in.—
Andrew Gebhart,
PC Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
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But cookbook author Joshua McFadden’s Spring Carbonara, which uses a ton of fresh spring peas, is absolutely delightful.—
Nina Moskowitz,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Cotton Lives On recycles cotton garments and converts the fiber into roll-up mats for people at risk of homelessness.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
26 Mar. 2026
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The new data center will be liquid-cooled, using a closed-loop system that recycles water.—
Katie Tarasov,
CNBC,
26 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalizes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalizes. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.
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