canvassEnglishOxford English Thesauruscanvass verb 1 he's canvassing for the Green Party: campaign, electioneer, solicit votes, drum up support; North American stump; British, informal doorstep; North American, informal be a ward heeler. 2 they promised to canvass all member clubs for their views: poll, question, ask, survey, interview, sound out, ascertain the opinions of. 3 they're canvassing support among shareholders: seek, try to obtain, go after, make a pitch for. 4 early retirement was canvassed as a solution to the problem of unemployment: propose, suggest, submit, offer, air; discuss, debate, consider.canvass Oxford Dictionary of English