as in to use
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 cannibalize
The star is doomed, however, and the team behind this discovery predicts that Betelgeuse will cannibalize it in a few thousand years.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 2025
The argument has raged for years in Chicago about whether legalizing more decentralized gambling would help the city’s bottom line or simply cannibalize tax revenue that would otherwise come in from the casino.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
Critics fear terminals would cannibalize revenues at Bally’s casino, which are already dedicated to public safety pensions.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
This ensures the new location can attract enough customers without cannibalizing your existing store's sales.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 2025
The argument has raged for years in Chicago about whether legalizing more decentralized gambling would help the city’s bottom line or simply cannibalize tax revenue that would otherwise come in from the casino.
—Jake Sheridan, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
Critics fear terminals would cannibalize revenues at Bally’s casino, which are already dedicated to public safety pensions.
—A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 12 June 2025
This ensures the new location can attract enough customers without cannibalizing your existing store's sales.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannibalize
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cannibalize
Verb
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Switch on headlights - Even during daylight hours, using headlights can enhance visibility and signal your presence to other drivers.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Aug. 2025
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The fire department’s water rescue team immediately started rescue efforts and police used a drone to help with the search, officials said.—
Rebecca Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The effort involved in recycling Nespresso pods for most of America is real.—
Mark Marino,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
29 Aug. 2025
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Both come in travel-friendly bottles and deliver a hydrating, soothing spritz that feels like a breath of fresh air, especially when the cabin air is dry and recycled.—
Tira Urquhart,
Essence,
29 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cannibalize.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cannibalize. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.
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