sow

verb

ˈsō How to pronounce sow (audio)
Definition of sownext
1
as in to spray
to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on sow the fields with maize in early spring, and the crop should be ready by late summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to plant
to put or set into the ground to grow first sow the seeds in potting soil

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to breed
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set a malicious neighbor who sowed within him nagging suspicions about his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 sow This profitability profile historically sows the seeds of the next supply glut and subsequent margin collapse. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026 To grow these versatile microgreens, soak their seeds for at least eight hours before sowing in full to partial sun and well-draining soil. — The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026 The aim would be to divert European resources away from supporting Ukraine and sow division in NATO, the service said. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 In a news conference Sunday, Garcia said the security situation has been peaceful, but warned those who would attempt to sow violence or buy votes that they will be charged. — Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sow
  1. spray
  2. plant
  3. breed
  4. sprinkle
  5. seed
  6. pepper
  7. put in
Verb
  • The shared affinity was clear in the celebration, as Mesa sprayed Cash with alcohol, and Vilade and Erik Neander, the team’s president of baseball operations, embraced while Vilade was interviewed.
    — Nicolas Villamil, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Sprinkler heads can become misaligned, damaged, clogged, or otherwise defective, causing water to spray onto sidewalks and other areas where people walk.
    — Christyne D. Santisteban, Miami Herald, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of spray
Verb
  • But the seeds are planted quickly for weightier themes to be explored later.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Just south of Champaign along I-57, IDOT removed invasive autumn olive shrubs and planted purple coneflower, bee balm and milkweed.
    — Susan DeGrane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of plant
Verb
  • As a child of parents who bred him to be the next Green Lantern, John knows full well the conflict between conscience and instinct, a ceaseless war that threatens to explode to the surface.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • People should also check their property and get rid of any pooled water where mosquitoes might breed.
    — Mike Stobbe, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Definition of breed
Verb
  • The songs, contemporary pop sprinkled with disco pixie dust, are of a piece with the tone of Benanti’s self-skewering comedy.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Cora, Dombrowski’s manager with the 2018 World Series champion Boston Red Sox, isn’t going to walk into the Phillies’ clubhouse and sprinkle magic pixie dust on a club that clearly is trending in the wrong direction.
    — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Verb
  • That latest round of NFL-booth musical chairs has already seeded some decidedly dodgy ideas in the minds of our keenest sports-media types.
    — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • In the early 1990s, Gordon Getty seeded Newsom’s Napa Valley wine start-up, PlumpJack, which Newsom launched with Gordon’s son Billy and named after an opera Gordon had composed.
    — Joe Hagan, Vanity Fair, 30 Sep. 2026
Definition of seed
Verb
  • Acoustic wooden bafflers frame the space and help create a sense of intimacy, with grand works from local artists peppered about and instilling a tangible sense of place.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • But the Track Fire had interrupted this picturesque scene, charring the thick tree trunks that peppered the canyon wall in New Mexico.
    — Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of pepper
Verb
  • Meanwhile, trade barriers put in place by the US and other nations are affecting the price of goods from many countries.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • However, Jim is sticking with CEO Ernie Herrman, who promised on TJX's post-earnings call that fixes were swiftly put in place and already starting to bear fruit in the current quarter.
    — Natasha Abellard, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of put in

Browse Nearby Words

Sovietism
sow
sowed
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Cite this Entry

“Sow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sow. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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