Definition of sownext
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

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2
as in to plant
to put or set into the ground to grow first sow the seeds in potting soil

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of sow To him, the reorganization smacks of an attempt to sow chaos and drive experienced employees out the door. Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026 Some northern tribes referred to it as the budding moon or leaf budding moon, while others called it the planting moon, marking a time ideal for sowing crops for the months ahead. ABC News, 29 Apr. 2026 Collect and sow seeds from your favorite plants or save them until the proper time. Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 They were taught how to harvest, how to sow, how to wrangle a cow, ride tractors, monster harvesting machines. Annika Pham, Variety, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sow
Verb
  • Two nights earlier in Pittsburgh, in a game to decide the AFC North, the Ravens had appeared headed for the playoffs thanks to Jackson’s late heroics before rookie Tyler Loop sprayed a 44-yard field goal attempt on the final play.
    Michael Silver, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Durnell regularly sprayed the weed killer throughout his neighborhood.
    Carrie Johnson, NPR, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Place them in a moist bag in the fridge for six to eight weeks before planting.
    Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
  • The monarch, who is a longtime advocate for environmental causes, also took part in other hands-on urban farming activities, including planting lavender and mustard greens, toured the farm and helped make mango salsa.
    Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • Brent Horvath, breeder and owner of Intrinsic Perennial Gardens in Hebron, Illinois, initially began breeding sedums for green roofs because their shallow roots work exceptionally well there.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Midwest Living, 4 May 2026
  • Braun knows well that underachieving in the NBA tends to breed scrutiny and speculation.
    Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Remove the bay leaves; sprinkle with parsley.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 4 May 2026
  • Crumble it on corn, sprinkle it on a tostada, drop it into beans or dump it into filling for enchiladas — just don’t forget the cotija.
    Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 4 May 2026
Verb
  • Debra Sinclair, the Willkie Farr & Gallagher attorney representing Saks Global, told federal bankruptcy judge Alfredo Pérez on Friday that the company agreed in principle to set up a litigation trust and seed it with a $20 million war chest to pursue potential legal claims.
    Evan Clark, Footwear News, 1 May 2026
  • While pomegranates don’t grow true to seed, Fritz insists the genetic gamble is worth it.
    Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • The America First Legal advocacy organization, which peppered corporate America with discrimination complaints, has used that footage in complaints.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026
  • With this opening, Bad Bakers has six locations peppered across the region, in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, Elk Grove and now West Sacramento.
    Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 30 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • On update calls, Andy Sriubas, a former advertising executive put in charge of the field offices, seemed unable to answer specific questions.
    E. Tammy Kim, New Yorker, 7 May 2026
  • Stepping Stones to Self-Improvement Researchers have spent decades putting in place the elements of RSI.
    Matthew Hutson, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sow. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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