INCUBATE Synonyms: 79 Similar and Opposite Words

incubate

verb

ˈiŋ-kyə-ˌbāt

Definition of incubate

as in to spawn

to cover and warm eggs as the young inside develop the hen incubated her eggs for two weeks

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to promote

to help the growth or development of hopefully, these youthful visits to the museum will incubate an enduring love of art

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 incubate According to the ancient Greeks, a mighty serpent called Ophion incubated an enormous egg that hatched into the universe and all its inhabitants. — Literary Hub, 10 July 2026 Believing a rock to be an egg, Roy and Silo took turns incubating it. — Chicago Tribune, 27 June 2026 Red Wagon Ventures, a subsidiary of Chick-fil-A that serves to incubate and invest in businesses, quietly launched Acrew Home Professionals in metro Atlanta late last year. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 25 June 2026 Kar, the company’s CEO, was a founding team member at Palo Alto Networks and oversaw Juniper Networks’ entire Ethernet portfolio before the two joined forces at Auradine, a blockchain and AI chip startup where Upscale was incubated. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for incubate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for incubate

Verb

It was supposed to be a heartwarming tale of triumph, but its making has spawned a saga of its own.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 22 July 2026
That outbreak spawned nearly two dozen tornadoes statewide and is remembered as the fifth-largest outbreak in state history.

— Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of spawn

Verb

Rohlfing has also pledged to strengthen core county services, including public safety, infrastructure and public works, while promoting a more business-friendly environment to attract and retain employers.

— Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 25 July 2026
Padel clubs are increasingly promoting it as more than a sport, offering spaces where people can work, eat and socialize alongside the courts.

— Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of promote

Verb

The club now sits at 4 wins, 10 losses, 2 draws (14 points), just six points off a playoff spot but with plenty of congestion in between.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 23 July 2026
The nine buildings sit next to the light rail and Rail Trail, near the East/West Blvd station.

— Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Definition of sit

Verb

The fish were illegally introduced in the 1970s, so the agency encourages anglers to pursue the game fish and keep their catches.

— Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 23 July 2026
The tradition, known as lördagsgodis, began in the 1950s by Swedish health officials to encourage limiting candy-eating to once a week and prevent cavities.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 July 2026

Definition of encourage

Verb

Consistently hand-picking eggs and squash bugs is the best way to interrupt the squash bug life cycle and prevent new eggs from hatching.

— Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 20 July 2026
Nicknamed Monty and Rose, the pair continued to migrate to the area and hatch chicks for three consecutive summers.

— Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026

Definition of hatch

Verb

He was also sent off for a headbutt against an opponent who provoked him in his last ever match, which happened to be the 2006 World Cup final; his human reaction laid bare on the highest stage of all.

— Amy Lawrence, New York Times, 21 July 2026
The company has already laid significant groundwork, launching pre-orders on June 25, revealing cover art, and releasing 60 new screenshots.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

Definition of lay

Verb

Ultimately, leading authentically is a powerful asset, enabling a life aligned with one's vision and building deep trust, beginning with introspection and self-nurturing.

— ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Lassally won two Emmy awards over the years, while discovering and nurturing multiple generations of talent.

— Michael Schneider, Variety, 20 July 2026