as in type
a number of persons or things that are grouped together because they have something in common
some people say that honest politicians are a rare breed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
1
2
as in to raise
to bring to maturity through care and education
he was bred to a life in the military by his father, himself an army captain
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to cause
to be the cause of (a situation, action, or state of mind)
this habit of favoring one employee over the others will breed resentment
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in to plant
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set
parents who breed in their children a deep respect for people of all classes
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 breed
Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
This is often the case for puppies and energetic small breeds.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Will Barker, TheWeek, 8 Jan. 2026
January is breeding season for the invasive snakes in Florida, and the species is known to congregate in breeding balls on elevated levees and tree islands.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breed
Noun
In general, hens become mature enough to lay eggs around six months of age, though this varies slightly by breed.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 8 Jan. 2026
This is often the case for puppies and energetic small breeds.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, birds cannot be taken from the wild and only falcons bred in captivity can be traded.
—Will Barker, TheWeek, 8 Jan. 2026
January is breeding season for the invasive snakes in Florida, and the species is known to congregate in breeding balls on elevated levees and tree islands.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for breed
Recent Examples of Synonyms for breed
Verb
-
Whitman traces how this legal foundation evolved into a broader moral menace that became a durable template in Western capitalism that was repeatedly reproduced.—
Valerie L. Myers,
The Conversation,
8 Jan. 2026
-
Sadly for Jeep, its dealers couldn’t reproduce that magic in 2025 despite consolidating the two into a single model.—
Byron Hurd,
The Drive,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Because of that, Sean Payton said his father raised him with as little danger as possible.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
16 Jan. 2026
-
This Le Creuset square grill is similar to a cast-iron skillet in construction, but features raised ridges to mimic the effect of an outdoor grill, minus the flame.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Critical mineral The research team also revealed that the Graphite is classified as a critical mineral in the United States because of its use in essential manufacturing combined with the limitations caused by its offshore supply chain.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Her latest book follows two families in late-1970s Rochester, New York, who are affected by an affair that causes a pair of divorces.—
Michael Schaub,
Oc Register,
16 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The passenger adapted and put a blanket, similar to this Turkish towel, over his head—and slept peacefully until touchdown.—
Carin Ryan,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Jan. 2026
-
Set the temperature to 68°F when at home, 60°F to 62°F when away, and 65°F when sleeping.—
Timothy Dale,
The Spruce,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Just like propagating other succulents, cuttings from these plants should be allowed to callus for a few days and then planted in soil to avoid issues with rot.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Start with a Small Container Don't plant too many seeds in a small container—give them enough space to grow.—
Samantha Johnson,
Martha Stewart,
13 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Under that proposal, liquor stores, vape shops, pawn shops and payday lenders would have to be 1,000 feet from an existing business of the same kind, either in a direct line or through an intersection.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
In 2023, the Manteca Chief of Police crafted a first-of-its-kind local ordinance specifically to stop swerving.—
Tori Apodaca,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Stevia seeds are difficult to germinate, but starter plants are readily available over the Internet and they are easily propagated from shoot cuttings.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
15 Jan. 2026
-
If your plants have already become noticeably bent and rotating their pots doesn’t correct it, support their stems with stakes or cages, or cut the unruly stems and use them to propagate the plants.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Due to many performance inquiries from the community, Beebe said the team was inspired to create the Stand Performance Group, fostering a space for training teens for performance outreach.—
Rick Mauch,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The group collaborates with schools to provide free music education that can inspire personal development, foster a sense of community, and prepare future leaders.—
Christina Mayo,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Breed.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/breed. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
