Definition of farmingnext
as in agriculture
the science or occupation of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock since an ancestor settled there in the 19th century, farming has been the only occupation for six generations of the family

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farming

2 of 3

adjective

as in agricultural
engaged in or concerned with agriculture years of drought had a devastating impact on the region's farming communities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

farming

3 of 3

verb

present participle of farm
as in cultivating
to work by plowing, sowing, and raising crops on we're planning on farming 50 acres the first year

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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 farming
Noun
In California, the rollback could pave the way for more farming, mining, logging and drilling in areas that were once forbidden due to the potential for wildlife habitat destruction. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026 Promoting soil health through regenerative design means using choosing materials grown through regenerative agricultural methods such as crop rotation, composting and no-till farming. Jennifer Bringle, Footwear News, 10 July 2026
Adjective
Connecticut has also seen a boom in backyard growers popping up in suburban neighborhoods with micro-farming businesses becoming more popular. Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 17 June 2026 Some of those people may be professional myrmecologists (scientists who specialize in the study of ants) and fourmiculture (ant-farming) enthusiasts. IEEE Spectrum, 5 Mar. 2026
Verb
Arrival of high-capacity pumps changed farming entirely. Allen Best, Denver Post, 14 June 2026 Climate change, caused by the burning of gas, oil and coal, has made farming a number of crops increasingly challenging over the years, experts say, and wheat is no exception. ABC News, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for farming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for farming
Noun
  • And, as in the past in both California and nationally, proponents and opponents of the switch cite the potential effects (good or bad) on health, business and agriculture as reasons to support or oppose the plan.
    Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2026
  • Theirs is the soil where agriculture was developed thousands of years ago, thanks to the use of guano and the presence of water.
    Cristina Dorador, The Dial, 14 July 2026
Adjective
  • Because mosquitos require standing water to complete their life cycle, earlier agricultural use of water may also contribute to rising mosquito numbers.
    Alula Alderson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • Among the agency’s global priorities, are strengthening supply chains for critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, agricultural inputs such as fertilizer and crop protection.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Located in the heart of the Marais district, the department store has been a fixture of Paris retail for more than 160 years and has spent decades cultivating a reputation for premium fashion, design and homeware.
    Mark Faithfull, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • July is a crucial time for cultivating a bountiful harvest that can continue well into late summer and autumn.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • Among Hamilton’s many enemies was Thomas Jefferson, who preferred that America remain an agrarian society unsullied by finance and commerce.
    Owen Lamont, Fortune, 2 July 2026
  • Restaurant Pearl Morissette—a 42-acre biodynamic farm with an agrarian-centric tasting menu—was just awarded its second Michelin Star, and sits at North America’s third best restaurant.
    Kate Dingwall, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Right now the priority is harvesting those most-vulnerable crops, such as tender salad greens.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 July 2026
  • That rings especially true in the garden, where hands have dug through the earth for centuries, harvesting vegetables and plucking beautiful blossoms.
    Shagun Khare, Martha Stewart, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • As a bonus, those seasons are ideal for planting a replacement shrub or re-establishing a lawn if it is damaged during the shrub removal.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 5 July 2026
  • Daugherty recommends planting various evergreens to provide food and shelter for birds over the winter.
    The Spruce, The Spruce, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Farming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/farming. Accessed 17 Jul. 2026.

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