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 Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids that cruelly sow fear are not the solution. Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026 At the same time, our public education system is being purposefully sabotaged by corporate elites seeking to sow doubt about our public schools in order to redirect public money straight into their pockets. Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 8 May 2026 They are either directly sown out in the garden or planted indoors in pots and then transplanted outside when the weather warms. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026 Seeds can be sown indoors or directly in your garden. Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 4 May 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
  • The latter activity gives them some solid ground to plant their hooves on when George abruptly turns up dead one morning, poisoned by an unknown suspect.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 8 May 2026
  • In the years since the first tree was planted in 1990, the young pines and hardwoods grew from 3 feet to 50 feet tall.
    Jenna Ebbers, Kansas City Star, 8 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
  • Teams were placed into divisions and seeded for the playoffs according to the rankings (Massey Ratings System) at the end of the regular season.
    Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 9 May 2026
  • It’s based on a past that the Sardinian people carry with them—a past that has seeded a deep sense of suspicion and vulnerability.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 7 May 2026
Verb
  • The charm offensive was benefited Rubio peppering in a number of jokes during his hourlong appearance.
    Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 7 May 2026
  • Anything other than sitting in front of a camera and getting peppered by angry Wildcats fans drunk on bourbon and filled with disappointment.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 6 May 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 11 May. 2026.

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