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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Recent Examples of germinating
Crabgrass first appears in the spring, but new plants keep germinating throughout the summer, says Waltz.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Just avoid overlap with pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent all seeds (including grass) from germinating.
—Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026
Quinoa thrives in cool temperatures, germinating when soil temperatures are between 36°F and 68°F.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026
These structures are envelopes of starch that shift and settle at the bottom of plant cells, helping the organisms to detect changes in their position and stability—and to tell germinating seeds in which direction to grow their roots.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Keep in mind, though, that the timing must be right; some seeds require cold stratification before germinating.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 2026
This is important to keep weed seeds from germinating.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Don’t trample or pick the flowers and stay on the paths because even barren ground could have seeds germinating beneath.
—Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 June 2026
Just avoid overlap with pre-emergent herbicides, which prevent all seeds (including grass) from germinating.
—Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 27 Apr. 2026
Quinoa thrives in cool temperatures, germinating when soil temperatures are between 36°F and 68°F.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Apr. 2026
These structures are envelopes of starch that shift and settle at the bottom of plant cells, helping the organisms to detect changes in their position and stability—and to tell germinating seeds in which direction to grow their roots.
—K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2026
Keep in mind, though, that the timing must be right; some seeds require cold stratification before germinating.
—Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 10 Apr. 2026
This is important to keep weed seeds from germinating.
—Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Apr. 2026
Don’t trample or pick the flowers and stay on the paths because even barren ground could have seeds germinating beneath.
—Jessie Schiewe, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for germinating
Verb
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The software can adjust flight paths, react to emerging threats, coordinate with nearby aircraft, and support mission objectives without constant operator input.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 June 2026
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As climate change supercharges storms and other extreme weather, rewilding projects are emerging as one solution — harnessing the skills of animals to create more resilient landscapes.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
18 June 2026
Verb
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The young tender stems are also perfect for propagating.—
Karen Brewer Grossman,
Southern Living,
8 June 2026
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Aloe vera is a plant best reserved for propagating through offshoots.—
Melissa Epifano,
The Spruce,
8 June 2026
Verb
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This collaboration reflects Sooka’s commitment to expanding our content ecosystem with innovative, mobile-first formats that resonate with evolving viewing habits.—
Liz Shackleton,
Deadline,
17 June 2026
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Property Play covers new and evolving opportunities for the real estate investor, from individuals to venture capitalists, private equity funds, family offices, institutional investors and large public companies.—
Diana Olick,
CNBC,
17 June 2026
Verb
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Moss is also executive producing under her Love & Squalor Pictures banner in addition to starring.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
12 June 2026
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Pot and column still distillates mature under Barbados' tropical heat, where aging occurs much faster than in cooler climates, producing remarkable depth.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Many travelers dream of one day living abroad, but a growing number of US citizens are making that fantasy a reality.—
Jessica Puckett,
Condé Nast Traveler,
16 June 2026
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The findings, the latest in a growing body of research about the vaccine’s benefits for heart health, suggest such benefits observed in earlier studies have persisted for years.—
Daniel Wu,
Washington Post,
16 June 2026
Verb
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Clearly, whoever had previously owned the place wasn't just planting crops.—
Jacqueline Goldblatt,
PC Magazine,
13 June 2026
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Plant Varieties With Different Bloom Times There are early, mid-season, and late peony cultivars, and planting some of each type stretches the peony bloom up to several weeks.—
Nadia Hassani,
The Spruce,
12 June 2026
Verb
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Los Niños benefited from the slow and even ripening conditions, allowing for a relatively late harvest that led to high concentration and vibrant acidity.—
Mike DeSimone,
Robb Report,
14 June 2026
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For peaches that are still ripening, keep them at room temperature in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
14 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Germinating.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/germinating. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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