canvass
verb (used with object)
to solicit votes, subscriptions, opinions, or the like from.
had been canvassing
-
past perfect progressiveof canvass.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Davis, just two weeks ago, had publicly lobbied for the Lakers to trade for a center and the team had been canvassing the NBA for options to pair with Davis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 2, 2025
But Mr Wishart has now confirmed that Mr Flynn had been canvassing colleagues for some time, while directly accusing him of "seeking a change in our leadership".
From BBC ● Dec. 8, 2022
Some Musk associates had their own vested interest in the deal: days before Musk’s “on hold” tweets, for instance, All-In Summit co-organizer Jason Calacanis had been canvassing for investors who could back Musk’s initiative.
From The Verge ● Aug. 5, 2022
Earl Dick, 60, an electrician at the company, said reporters from the World Socialist website, which has been writing about the strikes, had been canvassing the picket lines to recruit and take pictures, he claimed.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 4, 2019
Malcolm X followers had been canvassing with growing anxiety for a Harlem church that would accept the Saturday funeral.
From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey
