as in dormant
not being in a state of use, activity, or employment
the coal mine has been lying fallow since the drop in prices made it unprofitable
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of fallow
Carrie Battan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Of course, this fallow year came during the ‘golden generation’ period.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2023
Congress recently allocated $4 billion in drought funding that can be used to pay farmers to fallow their land and not use their water.
—Ben Tracy, Andy Bast, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fallow
Adjective
But the ’70s were fallow; observers at the time declared painting was dead.
—Carrie Battan, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
Of course, this fallow year came during the ‘golden generation’ period.
—Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
Compromising probably would require money — perhaps tax money — to pay farmers to fallow their land and governments to build new canals and repair old ones.
—Los Angeles Times, 20 Feb. 2023
Congress recently allocated $4 billion in drought funding that can be used to pay farmers to fallow their land and not use their water.
—Ben Tracy, Andy Bast, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2023
See All Example Sentences for fallow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fallow
Adjective
-
As the mercury plummets and back-to-work blues set in for much of humankind in the UK, many other creatures are cosily spending winter in a blissfully dormant state of hibernation.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Cornerbacks Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams were among the Chiefs’ best players for a second consecutive week as both helped shut down a dormant Raiders pass game.—
Jesse Newell,
New York Times,
5 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Burrow, who spoke with media after the Bengals lost 18-20 to the Cleveland Browns, seemed bothered by his 'do from the start, sitting down at the mic and instantly raking his lengthy bangs back with his hands.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
5 Jan. 2026
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As for the face touch, when he was raked across the face by New Orleans’ Jordan Poole, on a play ruled a transition take foul, Larsson smiled afterward.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Other Republicans say the criticism of the party’s performance is overkill, noting that the major elections of the evening took place in blue-leaning states during an off-year election.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Superstar Victor Wembanyama had an off night, scoring just nine points to go with nine rebounds and four blocks.—
Ben Verbrugge,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Then a tall, solemn Mexican appeared, hoe in hand.—
Jack O'Connor,
Outdoor Life,
23 Oct. 2025
-
The wineries of Oregon’s northern Willamette Valley have long hoed their own path.—
Liza B. Zimmerman,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Officials believe the fire started in the occupied home and spread to the vacant home next door.—
Noelle Alviz-Gransee,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
-
No public update on the project has been released since 2023, and the land remains vacant.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Of the six injured, three were listed in critical condition, according to the Salt Lake Police Department.—
Michael Sinkewicz,
FOXNews.com,
8 Jan. 2026
-
She was taken to a hospital and was listed in stable condition.—
Jose Fabian,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Grand pianos and half-full liquor bottles collect dust, while colorful children’s playrooms scattered with toys are unsettlingly idle.—
Jacqui Palumbo,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
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But Samantha Bird, who was laid off from her job as pastry chef for Milles Fleurs restaurant in Rancho Santa Fe, didn’t stay idle for long.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Before the big race, the track was harrowed, bringing it to a better and drier racing surface.—
John Cherwa,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2025
-
The research fellow who met me, Birte, was in her forties, and appeared as if she had been harrowed by her work.—
John Ganz,
Harper's Magazine,
22 May 2024
Cite this Entry
“Fallow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fallow. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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