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 While bad actors might be intentionally attempting to sow discord, there are exponentially more people who are unknowingly sharing it. Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2026 Gardeners who live in warmer zones (USDA 6 through 9) have a longer growing season and can sow seeds outdoors earlier than those in colder zones (USDA 2 through 5). Peg Aloi, The Spruce, 5 Mar. 2026 For some Houston voters, Tuesday’s primary was their third time casting ballots in a congressional race in four months, sowing confusion. Dallas Morning News, 4 Mar. 2026 Named for the Roman goddess of sowing seeds, the restaurant opens March 14, and its art isn’t limited to the cuisine. Miami Herald, 3 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sow
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sow
Verb
  • They were sprayed without any warning or apparent provocation.
    Bob Ortega, CNN Money, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Chopper 3 was over the scene where three boats were spraying water on the barge.
    Joe Brandt, CBS News, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For farmers who planted orchards years ago expecting a buyer at harvest, the closure adds new uncertainty to an already risky business.
    Nina Burns, CBS News, 13 Mar. 2026
  • Southern California also has seen a resurgence of the industry in recent years, with dozens of aerospace, defense tech and weapons startups planting their headquarters here.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Nicolson himself wrote a book called Sea Room about the islands, including the many seabirds that breed on them.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Coyotes breed in late winter to early spring with pups born in late spring in an average of five per litter.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • From March to May, the hiking trails are sprinkled with vibrant yellow desert marigolds, deep purple lupines, and bright red and orange Indian paintbrush blooms, among other varieties.
    Annie Daly, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2026
  • The chain has more than a few Charlotte restaurants with spots in Madison Park, Steele Creek and East Charlotte, plus others sprinkled across the metro — Concord, Kannapolis, Fort Mill and Rock Hill (the latter two opened in 2024).
    Tanasia Kenney, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Instead of purchasing many different perennials to fill your front garden beds, choose a couple of self-seeding perennials that spread easily.
    Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 7 Mar. 2026
  • With the loss, the Tigers missed out on the opportunity for an SEC tourney double-bye and will be seeded between fifth and 10th, depending on a host of other results into Saturday night.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Turtlenecks and flannels abound, teens vocally question authority at every turn, and a colorful cast of intellectuals pepper the scene.
    Erin Qualey, Vulture, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Who remembers the aggressive line of questions Flores peppered Tagovailoa with at the NFL Combine back in 2020, before Miami even drafted him.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Think cold-calling a hiring manager to put in a good word or emailing a recruiter to chase an application their child never followed up on.
    Jim Edwards, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • To qualify for the full $1,000 match, workers would have to put in at least $2,000 per year.
    The Week US, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Sow.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sow. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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