Definition of cultivatenext
1
2
3
as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care in an attempt to produce New World counterparts of the wines that he had enjoyed in Europe, Jefferson cultivated several varieties of grapes at Monticello

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
as in to harvest
to work by plowing, sowing, and raising crops on we ought to cultivate the field out back

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 cultivate Kramer asserted that the Academy’s somewhat controversial deal with YouTube was inspired by this same desire to cultivate deeper ties with filmmakers and film lovers across the globe. — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2026 In addition to staging digital attacks, foreign governments such as China and North Korea are cultivating sources inside firms and research institutions focused on defense and dual-use innovation. — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026 Some 5,000 years ago, China began cultivating roses to produce certain traits, for example, repeat blooming times and different colors. — Sheryl De Vore, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026 Indígena by Owamni in Minneapolis serves manoomin, among many other wild and cultivated foods native to the Americas. — Tovar Cerulli, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cultivate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cultivate
Verb
  • The fact that Haslem became a mentor for Adebayo and developed a close friendship with him during their six seasons as Heat teammates made the moment especially meaningful.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The findings, published in Nature Sensors, build on years of work developing interfaces that allow prosthetic devices to respond more like natural limbs.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The canals will act as stormwater infrastructure for the island while promoting recreational activity, according to that document.
    — Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Still, they are promoted for a range of medical uses, including insomnia, anxiety, inflammatory conditions and migraines.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The bank also expects revenue to grow annually through 2028, targeting 5% growth that year compared with 2027, excluding notable items and on a constant currency basis.
    — Jenny Lee, CNBC, 27 Oct. 2026
  • The vote, which had been scheduled for last week, was delayed after two days of deliberations because of growing wariness among Egyptians concerned about an intervention in Yemen's long-running conflict.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Timberland owners have the flexibility to harvest when prices are perceived to be stronger.
    — Sebastien Chasse, CNBC, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Here's where the high diesel prices add up tough – what little hay there is, is a lot more expensive to harvest.
    — Anna King, NPR, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In December 2024, Gersh acquired You First, a global sports representation and marketing agency, launching Gersh Sports.
    — Chris Russo, Sportico.com, 24 Oct. 2026
  • As soon as the Miami Heat acquired two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason, the questions about Antetokounmpo’s fit alongside three-time All-Star center Bam Adebayo began.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Though the board does not have the authority to forgive the charges, which will still be due by the end of the year, board President Allan Marks encouraged residents to enroll in programs that could help alleviate rising costs.
    — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • According to Ueda, an enthusiastic online response encouraged its adaptation to feature length and a theatrical release.
    — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Co-produced by John Congleton, the record swaps synth-pop for gutter-punk, with distorted guitars and clattering surf riffs as its weapons of choice.
    — Zach Schonfeld, Pitchfork, 26 Oct. 2026
  • However, this movie carries a hefty $100 million price tag (stop-motion animation is labor-intensive and takes years to produce) and likely won’t turn a theatrical profit.
    — Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Lewy body dementia symptoms tend to start with rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, such as screaming or kicking during sleep.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026
  • These clouds tend to cool down, because fast-moving molecules will collide with other molecules and lose energy.
    — Perri Thaler, Quanta Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cultivate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cultivate. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster