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

Relevance
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 Democratic Attorney General Rob Bonta immediately launched a legal challenge in March, arguing the sheriff has no authority over election materials and warning the seizure was designed to sow distrust in elections. — ABC News, 24 Aug. 2026 In cool climates, sow fresh grass seed every autumn to fill in bare or patchy areas. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026 But there is a real difference between a parent asking difficult questions and the federal government sowing distrust in agencies charged with protecting children. — Chuka Onuh, Chicago Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026 The disconnect between intent and impact could be sowing discord. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 20 Aug. 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
  • Throughout the years, Graham was sprayed by grout on a construction site and splattered with oil while cutting timber.
    — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Having the ability, and willingness, to spray money at players helps.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of spray
Verb
  • The island, just over 2 miles long, was created in the late 1960s from sand dredged during the deepening of the Elbe shipping channel that serves the port of Hamburg, then left to itself and gradually planted over.
    — Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Standing at two hours and 30 minutes, along with a 15-minute intermission, the narrative plants you in the middle of a world of ironies.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of plant
Verb
  • Ocean-going seabirds feed at sea, return to the cliffs to breed, their guano transporting marine nutrients onto land and fertilizing the ground below.
    — Sarah Kingdom, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Love emphasized that a week of partying and art viewing on the playa can breed ferocity.
    — Henry Alford, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of breed
Verb
  • However, the Tar Heels have some dangerous playmakers sprinkled around the roster, including sophomore running back Demon June and junior wide receiver Jordan Shipp, who had 84 yards against TCU last season.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Coltrane is also deeply interested in the Buddhist principles of karma and dharma, or the moral duties and obligations to a right way of life, which are sprinkled throughout the novel.
    — Paula L. Woods, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of sprinkle
Verb
  • The Rainmaker drones seeded in a particular pattern in the clouds, and the resulting snowfall was easy to spot on radar as theirs.
    — Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • The game was a nonregion contest, but all games now count in qualifying and seeding teams for the playoffs using the GHSA’s Post Season Rankings.
    — Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of seed
Verb
  • The brothers pepper in POV shots of the climbers to literally put the audience in their shoes, but don’t overplay their hand, maintaining palpable reality even when the challenges mount to comical levels.
    — Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Sep. 2026
  • DeSantis was in command during moments like that, peppering Donalds and others with the questions.
    — Michael Van Sickler, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026
Definition of pepper
Verb
  • Beer Money Entertainment has asked people not to direct anger toward Eleven Lakes, saying the brewery was put in a difficult position by the threats.
    — Evan Moore August 31, Charlotte Observer, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Earlier that year, former NHL executive John Collins invested in the four-time Stanley Cup champions and was put in charge of the team’s business operations.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of put in

Browse Nearby Words

Sovietism
sow
sowed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sow. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All