CULTIVATE Synonyms: 143 Similar and Opposite Words

cultivate

verb

ˈkəl-tə-ˌvāt

Definition of cultivate

as in to develop

to come to have gradually cultivated a taste for opera in order to fit in with his new circle of friends

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to promote

to help the growth or development of cultivated a passion for learning among his students over the years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grow

to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care in an attempt to produce New World counterparts of the wines that he had enjoyed in Europe, Jefferson cultivated several varieties of grapes at Monticello

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to harvest

to work by plowing, sowing, and raising crops on we ought to cultivate the field out back

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 cultivate This book offers scientific guidance on conserving water while still cultivating a bountiful garden. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 23 July 2026 In a statement, Jensen Huang described the donation as one that aims to cultivate the next generation of creators to solidify San Francisco’s culture of creativity and innovation. — News Desk, Artforum, 23 July 2026 First, Christmas carolers came out and performed a medley to cultivate a Yuletide spirit on a balmy 80-degree afternoon. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 23 July 2026 Beyond digital, Pallister emphasizes experiential pop-ups to cultivate community and belonging. — Karin Eldor, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cultivate

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cultivate

Verb

As Chinese companies have rushed to develop AI models and hardware that can rival that of the US, the government has also carefully rolled out incremental measures to maintain social stability.

— Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
Another generation of family members and in-laws developed Ballantyne, another upscale neighborhood with homes, restaurants, retail, and corporate offices.

— Chase Jordan July 23, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2026

Definition of develop

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

That dividing line is a growing source of concern for the town’s residents, whose economy largely depends on tourism and agriculture.

— Zeena Saifi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
The award reinforced the engine’s role in the program while reflecting growing demand for compact propulsion systems across the defense sector.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 21 July 2026

Definition of grow

Verb

To the chef, mango can behave like several different ingredients depending on when it’s harvested and how it’s treated.

— Aly Walansky, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
He was booked into a Monroe County jail on Plantation Key on two counts of catching lobster out of season, two counts of spearing lobster, one count of harvesting an undersized lobster and one count of harvesting an egg-bearing lobster.

— David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Definition of harvest

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

Bertha is expected to produce total rainfall amounts of 1 to 4 inches with isolated higher totals to 6 inches through Thursday along the central to the western Gulf Coast from western Florida to southern Texas.

— MIAMI HERALD HURRICANE BOT, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
The sheriff's office said ballistic testing performed with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives later produced forensic evidence linking the two murders.

— Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 22 July 2026

Definition of produce

Verb

When families have a little more breathing room, and when businesses are free to invest in new equipment, new ideas, and new jobs, good things tend to happen.

— Kent Strang, Boston Herald, 26 July 2026
This style of film tends to follow a predictable formula, especially when one goal is to build the artist’s profile in an effort to increase the commercial value of his or her work.

— Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of tend

Browse Nearby Words

cultists

cultivate

cultivated

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cultivate. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of cultivate

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on cultivate

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

parochial

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples

Popular in Wordplay

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 24

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Games & Quizzes