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
Layered onto that are the rising costs of farming equipment and fuel, a lack of land for grazing and a consolidated meatpacking industry that farmers and ranchers say eats into their profits. — Joe Hernandez, NPR, 20 Oct. 2026 The grave dates to a period when people were transitioning from hunting and gathering to living in permanent settlements, farming and raising livestock, according to officials. — Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 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
The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has long been focused on improving conditions in cotton farming through a combination of environmental and social principles. — Sj Studio, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026 The owner Doug Doetsch’s family has been farming and making cider on Seminary Hill for five generations. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for farming
Recent Examples of Synonyms for farming
Noun
  • Acquisition targets could include companies that have developed specialized analytical models and established customer bases in areas such as agriculture and critical infrastructure.
    — Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Likewise, regenerative agriculture, which outlaws increasingly expensive synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, can help growers keep costs down.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The argument supporting Measure Z was signed by farmer Blair Voelz, educator Karen Rosenkilde Bayne, former Woodland City Manager Kris Kristensen, business leader Aniek Pflager and agricultural supplier Erik Wilson.
    — Daniel Lempres, Sacbee.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Higher diesel prices – essential to transporting goods and agricultural production – tend to drive up costs across the wider economy and fuel inflation.
    — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The challenge is not racing to construct a synthetic copy but cultivating the capacity to recognize, interface with and leverage what has been present all along.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Maintaining relationships with existing owners and cultivating enthusiasm among future buyers can be just as important.
    — Chris Hardesty, AJC.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • The prolific and acclaimed writer and activist used his liberal beliefs and his agrarian roots in Kentucky to craft novels, poems and essays connecting the natural world to humankind.
    — Bethanne Patrick, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Herb and vegetable gardens, fruit trees, wine grapes and beehives add an agrarian dimension.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 19 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • The Abu Falah attack followed a similar attack on Friday morning in the area of Turmus Ayya village, where settlers burned three cars after attacking a group of farmers harvesting olives.
    — Reuters, NBC news, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But to the brothers, harvesting their own food represents more than providing meals for their families.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • One thing Crumbley does not favor is planting marigolds against aphids.
    — Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
  • But part of the mitigation program includes planting new trees.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Farming.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/farming. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

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