Definition of channelizenext
as in to direct
to cause to move to a central point or along a restricted pathway channelized all of his resources into winning that state's crucial primary

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 channelize 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 The Army Corps of Engineers channelized and paved the once-meandering river. Emma Bowman, NPR, 17 Nov. 2025 When work began, parts of the Creek had been fully channelized, other portions covered by development, others existing as nothing more than trash and weed choked trickles. Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025 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 As a response to this, in the 1960s, the city added more concrete, channelizing the river in the hopes of getting runoff away from neighborhoods to Lake Michigan as fast as possible. Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 4 Dec. 2024 Draining wetlands and channelizing the Sprague River to enable cattle ranching and agriculture has taken its toll on the region. Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 Austin and San Antonio have dammed, altered, channelized, buried and otherwise manipulated their creeks and rivers. Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Mar. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for channelize
Verb
  • It’s directed by Linus O’Brien, the son of Richard O’Brien, the British New Zealander who wrote the show (and played Riff Raff) and then went on a gender odyssey.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 3 Apr. 2026
  • The feature starring Jaafar Jackson as the King of Pop and directed by Antoine Fuqua is strong across all demos and diverse groups, though slightly more pronounced in first choice with men and women over 25.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Frisco Wakeland girls soccer team is channeling grief into purpose this season, honoring their teammate after her tragic death while making a powerful run at another state title.
    Johnny Resendiz, CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026
  • After more than two decades, Carter said she’s found a way to live alongside the pain of losing her daughter, and to channel it into purpose by advocating on behalf of missing children in Tennessee and around the country.
    Chelsea Bailey, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • The money will be funneled through the state’s basic education funding formula, which means local districts will be required to match some of it.
    Riley Bunch, AJC.com, 3 Apr. 2026
  • Records show that Cicero’s businesses, which operate under different versions of the name SHEBA, netted more than 10% of the money that McCrory helped to funnel to Blue Hills from 2020 and 2025.
    Andrew Brown, Hartford Courant, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The men, ranging in age from twenty-nine to sixty-four, carried rucksacks containing the few items that they were allowed to bring.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • For a Nets team that has watched too many games slip in the same way, the early minutes of the fourth carried a familiar warning.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 30 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Sand removed from the harbor is piped onto beaches as far south as the Tyson Street park, depending on how much material is recovered.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • All parks have piped drinking water and no shower facilities unless otherwise specified.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Two advisers to Qatar told me that Global Risk had also conducted background checks and written reports on people linked to campaigns criticizing Qatar; corporate-intelligence firms often provide such open-source research.
    David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • White, the neonatologist who stopped enrolling patients in the study, defended the decision to conduct it.
    David Hilzenrath, USA Today, 29 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Channelize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/channelize. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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