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
-
The emerging tariff regime represents the consolidation of a doctrine in which the weaponization of interdependence becomes the central technique of imperial management; the distinction between friends and adversaries matters less than their willingness to be folded into American objectives.—
Pratap Bhanu Mehta,
Time,
15 Jan. 2026
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The partnership will allow IndieWire to host intensives for students and emerging creatives at major film festivals.—
Christian Zilko,
IndieWire,
15 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
-
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 band formed when Sydney was still in elementary school, evolving from childhood rehearsals into international success, creative independence, and now, a chapter marked by adulthood, reflection, and family.—
Holly Alvarado,
Daily News,
14 Jan. 2026
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Yann LeCun, one of the godfathers of AI who had led long-term research initiatives, also departed in December, further signaling Meta’s evolving AI strategy.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
14 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
However, the process of producing HBM memory is much more demanding than that for memory used in most consumer electronics.—
Dylan Butts,
CNBC,
13 Jan. 2026
-
His family said Moon often melded his faith with his love and his connections in the music world, from producing church musical events to introduce fellow worshipers to new forms of Christian music to directing his church’s youth ministry alongside his wife when his children were younger.—
Alexandra Del Rosario,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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 20 Jan. 2026.
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