as in to cultivate
to change (a wild animal or plant) over time to make it more suited to life with or use by humans
Humans domesticated wolves to produce man's best friend.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of domesticate
American geneticist Audrey Lin studies evolution using ancient DNA, with a particular focus on how dogs were domesticated.
—
Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Hindi argued that rodeo animals are domesticated farm animals that appear calm before and after events, and said their sudden bucking behavior is the result of discomfort rather than athleticism.
—Perry Majidi, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Emergency management officials believe the virus is actively circulating in wild or domesticated birds and are increasing their monitoring of birds to more quickly identify any further cases.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
They can't be released into the wild because they are domesticated and lack survival skills.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for domesticate
Veronique Greenwood, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
Hindi argued that rodeo animals are domesticated farm animals that appear calm before and after events, and said their sudden bucking behavior is the result of discomfort rather than athleticism.
—Perry Majidi, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
Emergency management officials believe the virus is actively circulating in wild or domesticated birds and are increasing their monitoring of birds to more quickly identify any further cases.
—Joe Brandt, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2026
They can't be released into the wild because they are domesticated and lack survival skills.
—Leah Olajide, Freep.com, 13 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for domesticate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for domesticate
Verb
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Koolhaas sang the joys of juxtapositions in his 1978 book Delirious New York, and here his firm has cultivated a distinctively New York–y jangle of forms in which the utilitarian becomes the theatrical.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
19 Mar. 2026
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While not a truly national media figure, Rose has cultivated a strong following in the New York area in the decades since joining Mets broadcasts in 1987.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Their letter is a sign of growing concerns on Capitol Hill about how AI companies are developing and using their models and whether proper protections are in place for those who generate the materials the models train from.—
Emily Wilkins,
CNBC,
17 Mar. 2026
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Defending World Cup champion Argentina will set up its camp at Sporting Kansas City’s Compass Minerals National Performance Center, while the Netherlands will train in Riverside at the Current’s facility.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
17 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Sparks or embers can drift into leaves or grass, triggering a fire that can rapidly propagate.—
STAR-TELEGRAM WEATHER BOT,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
15 Mar. 2026
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This means the fruit may not taste like the original pomegranate, as most pomegranate trees are propagated from hardwood cuttings, rather than by seed, to ensure consistent fruit production.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Several exclusive, bespoke massage treatments feature a handmade oil blend native to Kyoto, and facials use Japanese prestige skincare brand The Ginza.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Mar. 2026
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Delta Connection will operate both of the new routes using Embraer 175 regional jets with up to 76 seats, Wi-Fi and in-seat power outlets.—
Alex Driggars,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Toronto utilized Varland as a traditional setup man at times last year, then as an early-game stopper in the postseason.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
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Even the Spotted Stone bar gets in on the eco action, utilizing all ingredients and minimizing waste (lemon and lime skins are processed and used to make homemade syrups for cocktails, for example).—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Mar. 2026
Verb
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This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and donors in South Florida’s Jewish and Muslim communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza and the Mohsin and Fauzia Jaffer Foundation, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
21 Mar. 2026
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Indiana State is best known as the school that produced Celtics great Larry Bird, but the Sycamores have played in the tournament only three times since that famous NCAA championship game appearance against Magic Johnson’s Michigan State team in 1979.—
Ralph D. Russo,
New York Times,
21 Mar. 2026
Verb
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She was arraigned on charges of operating an unlicensed dog-breeding facility and wire fraud.—
J.D. Miles,
CBS News,
24 Mar. 2026
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They are found throughout Connecticut forests and are one of the first species to breed in large numbers just in time for spring.—
Stephen Underwood,
Hartford Courant,
23 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.—
Carolyn Hax,
Washington Post,
27 Mar. 2026
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Today, drone crews intercept them in flight with continually adapting technology.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
23 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Domesticate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/domesticate. Accessed 24 Mar. 2026.
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