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as in to propagate
to cause (something, as a seed) to grow
She began by reading up on the best ways to germinate apple seeds.
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Recent Examples of germinate
Crabgrass is germinating; use of a preemergence for this weed may be of little value.
—
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
The disease occurs when babies ingest botulism spores that germinate in the intestine and produce a dangerous toxin that attacks the nervous system.
—CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Clover needs moist soil to germinate; planting before the rain will reduce the need to water your lawn.
—Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026
The program’s primary purpose is to help diagnose and treat the disease that occurs when babies ingest botulism spores that germinate in the intestine and produce a dangerous toxin that attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis.
—ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germinate
Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Feb. 2026
The disease occurs when babies ingest botulism spores that germinate in the intestine and produce a dangerous toxin that attacks the nervous system.
—CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Clover needs moist soil to germinate; planting before the rain will reduce the need to water your lawn.
—Haniya Rae, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026
The program’s primary purpose is to help diagnose and treat the disease that occurs when babies ingest botulism spores that germinate in the intestine and produce a dangerous toxin that attacks the nervous system, causing paralysis.
—ABC News, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for germinate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germinate
Verb
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Starmer fired Mandelson after nine months in the job when new details of the relationship with Epstein emerged, and now faces a political storm over the appointment.—
JILL LAWLESS AND BRIAN MELLEY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS,
Arkansas Online,
12 Mar. 2026
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Oklahoma emerged from the break continuing its offensive spurt and outscored the Gamecocks 13-5 in the first five minutes of the second half and led 56-47.—
Dallas Morning News,
Dallas Morning News,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Before attempting to propagate your monstera, look carefully at its overall health.—
Derek Carwood,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Mar. 2026
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Ahead, plant experts provide their top tips for caring for the ZZ plant, including how to prune and propagate this easy-to-grow plant.—
SJ McShane,
Martha Stewart,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That was really formative and evolved my world.—
Claire Salinda,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Mar. 2026
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After evolving in the sea about 500 million years ago, crustaceans expanded into a huge range of undersea niches.—
Andrew Coletti,
Popular Science,
12 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The device was developed by scientists at Rice University and relies on bacteria that naturally produce electrical signals in response to certain chemicals, known as analytes.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Mar. 2026
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This story was produced in partnership with the Food & Environment Reporting Network, an independent nonprofit news organization.—
Boyce Upholt,
New Yorker,
14 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Finding the right adviser could make finances grow.—
Magi Helena,
Dallas Morning News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Polish patiently, so steady practice grows your confidence.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germinate. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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