Synonyms of sow

sow

verb

ˈsō 

1

as in to spray

to cover by or as if by scattering something over or on

sow the fields with maize in early spring, and the crop should be ready by late summer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spray
• sprinkle
• pepper
• dot
• strew
• scatter
• spot
• dust
• bestrew
• drizzle
• stud
• blanket
• speckle
• fleck
• dapple
• spatter
• stipple
• bespatter

2

as in to plant

to put or set into the ground to grow

first sow the seeds in potting soil

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plant
• seed
• put in
• drill
• replant
• bed
• scatter
• transplant
• pot
• broadcast
• reseed
• overseed

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gather
• reap
• harvest

3

as in to breed

to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set

a malicious neighbor who sowed within him nagging suspicions about his wife

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plant
• breed
• root
• inculcate
• implant
• inseminate
• embed
• lodge
• instill
• enroot
• drive
• infix
• pound
• invest
• hammer
• inoculate
• infuse
• entrench
• imbue
• suffuse
• fix
• steep
• ingrain

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of sow

The state says the federal government is trying to sow doubt in the integrity of California’s elections with scant evidence, and demanding a response that will upend its management of the midterms, with voting already well underway. — Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 26 Oct. 2026

After sowing seed, lightly rake the area to cover seed to a depth of 1/8 to ¼ of an inch. — Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Oct. 2026

But the only way that that campaign to undermine our confidence and to sow distrust actually works is if voters stay home. — Astead Herndon, Vox, 24 Oct. 2026

Dolan was right that distractions can trip up a team, sowing just enough discord among its players to derail their chances at another title, and cut short their fans' chances at another joyous summer. — Noah Shachtman, Vanity Fair, 20 Oct. 2026