1
as in emerging
to come into being
A new counterculture germinating in the city's art district.
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2
as in propagating
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of germinating
Sulfur prevents fungal spores from germinating and must be applied as a preventive measure before the disease develops for effective results.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
That was a surprisingly fertile base for germinating Kiri.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 20 Dec. 2025
In magnolias, the bright red/orange fleshy coating can keep those seeds from germinating for several years, until weathering breaks down and/or weathers away those compounds.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Nov. 2025
The idea for Netflix House has been germinating at the company for years, Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee told USA TODAY at the site, just a week before the attraction was set to open in suburban Philadelphia.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Fire poppies are rare, germinating only in the presence of karrikins, a chemical compound in smoke, which awakens them from dormancy.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The seeds of a daylong gathering have been germinating for a while.
—Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
So this week, as Mercury reminds you to connect with grace and Venus dares you to simplify your love and money story, know that the real magic is already germinating under the surface.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 14 Sep. 2025
In between times, there are long shots of the gingko, tree’s-eye views of what is happening on the ground and squelching closeups of germinating seeds – luscious and inescapably sensual.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
That was a surprisingly fertile base for germinating Kiri.
—David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 20 Dec. 2025
In magnolias, the bright red/orange fleshy coating can keep those seeds from germinating for several years, until weathering breaks down and/or weathers away those compounds.
—Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 Nov. 2025
The idea for Netflix House has been germinating at the company for years, Chief Marketing Officer Marian Lee told USA TODAY at the site, just a week before the attraction was set to open in suburban Philadelphia.
—Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 9 Nov. 2025
Fire poppies are rare, germinating only in the presence of karrikins, a chemical compound in smoke, which awakens them from dormancy.
—Dana Goodyear, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
The seeds of a daylong gathering have been germinating for a while.
—Cathy Applefeld Olson, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
So this week, as Mercury reminds you to connect with grace and Venus dares you to simplify your love and money story, know that the real magic is already germinating under the surface.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 14 Sep. 2025
In between times, there are long shots of the gingko, tree’s-eye views of what is happening on the ground and squelching closeups of germinating seeds – luscious and inescapably sensual.
—Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germinating
Verb
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Ballerina styles, those with lace-up construction, are emerging as a standout, adding a delicate, fashion-forward touch while remaining practical.—
Gabrielle Porcaro,
Travel + Leisure,
10 Jan. 2026
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New details are emerging in the death of a woman whose body was found on Hollywood Beach the day after Christmas.—
Joan Murray,
CBS News,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Robinhood is known for propagating meme-stock mania, making its founders billionaires, and changing how Americans invest.—
Sheryl Estrada,
Fortune,
29 Dec. 2025
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Torres Maczassek and her brother, Miguel, are considered leaders in climate-change response, including uncovering and re-propagating nearly extinct grape varieties that may fare better in extreme heat and drought.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
27 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The concept of this whiskey is that while the base of the blend remains the same, release will have a new component added to create a blend that keeps evolving while still based on the same foundation.—
Jonah Flicker,
Robb Report,
7 Nov. 2025
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How these attacks keep evolving Security analysts noticed the malware's delivery chain has shifted several times.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
Achane handled 12 first half carries, producing 64 rushing yards.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Idemitsu is constructing a large-scale facility capable of producing 1,000 metric tons of lithium sulfide annually, with a target of mass production by 2027.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The companies say the design addresses a growing challenge in autonomous vehicle interiors, where traditional steering systems become unnecessary and restrict cabin space.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Jan. 2026
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The vines climb to about 6 feet tall, growing vigorously even through summer heat.—
Miranda Crowell,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Jan. 2026
Verb
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For best results, choose a rich potting mix and amend garden soil with compost before planting.—
Lauren Landers,
The Spruce,
7 Jan. 2026
-
When planting pea seeds, proper soil preparation is essential.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This slows down the release of ethylene gas, which speeds up ripening.—
Nashia Baker,
Martha Stewart,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Hot sunny summer days, cool nights, and the Columbia, Snake, Walla Walla, and Yakima rivers provide an ideal environment for ripening grapes to perfection.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germinating. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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