tend 1 of 2

verb (1)

ˈtend How to pronounce tend (audio)
Definition of tendnext
as in to lean
to show a liking or proneness (for something) her wardrobe tends toward dark colors and heavy fabrics

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tend

2 of 2

verb (2)

1
as in to watch
to take charge of especially on behalf of another tend the store while I run an errand

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2
as in to grow
to look after or assist the growth of by labor and care lately I haven't been doing a good job of tending my garden

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to cultivate
to work by plowing, sowing, and raising crops on plots that during the war were tended by city dwellers as vegetable gardens

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4
as in to manage
to look after and make decisions about the dying patriarch wondered who would tend the family business after he was gone

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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 tend
Verb
With the biggest out-of-this-world adventures likely to be found in theaters, many of the most memorable — and undoubtedly the weirdest — concepts tended to be found in Saturday morning cartoons. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 5 July 2026 In the public imagination, Novak Djokovic has tended to be characterized as the greatest defensive player in the history of men’s tennis, and, along with Andre Agassi, as the best returner. — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 5 July 2026 History shows family successions, whether in North Korea or Syria, tend to happen through rigid authoritarian control, with the transfer of power underwritten by whoever controls the military. — Romina Ruiz-Goiriena, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Not every backyard can accommodate the 60-foot by 30-foot footprint these courts require, and his residential courts tend to be in communities where larger properties are the norm — like Hillsborough, Atherton, Woodside and Saratoga. — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for tend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tend
  1. lean
  2. watch
  3. grow
  4. cultivate
  5. manage
  6. supervise
  7. produce
  8. operate
Verb
  • On Monday, McFarlane and two friends were outside the fencing, leaning against the metal barriers in front of the Department of Agriculture, which faces the National Mall.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
  • This look leans more subdued and boho with its all-black layers and accessories, but feel free to experiment with contrasting tones and more color for a bolder result.
    — Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 2 July 2026
Definition of lean
Verb
  • San Clemente, San Juan Hills, Huntington Beach, Downey and Carson are the teams to watch.
    — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • Viewers can watch on ABC, ABC News Live, the ESPN App, Freeform, FX and National Geographic.
    — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 4 July 2026
Definition of watch
Verb
  • The iconic fast food company has grown beyond its California roots in recent years, opening locations in Colorado, Texas, Idaho, and as far east as Tennessee.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 7 July 2026
  • And a growing body of research suggests that one of the simplest ways to help isn’t more space or more exercise.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
Definition of grow
Verb
  • But the star has cultivated a loyal collective of her favorite brands, including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Stella McCartney and Area (recall her famous Super Bowl jeans).
    — Morgan Evans, USA Today, 4 July 2026
  • The one-person filmmaker averages 3 million views per episode and has cultivated a YouTube audience of 500,000.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
Definition of cultivate
Verb
  • The situation is pressing, but Coleman still manages to make a connection.
    — Roni Jacobson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026
  • The platform has consistently managed volume over $1 billion daily since the soccer tournament began on June 11.
    — Davis Giangiulio, CNBC, 4 July 2026
Definition of manage
Verb
  • While older children can use sparklers, they should be supervised, Heckman said.
    — Amen Galinato, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
  • Between there, and running upstairs to supervise fittings of his monumentally sculptural work with his stylist Tallulah Harlech, the designer caught a rare moment to sit and talk.
    — Sarah Mower, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of supervise
Verb
  • During an earnings call in May, Chief Executive Brian Chesky said AI now writes nearly 60% of new code, produced by the company’s engineers.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • For decades, oceans have acted as the planet’s main heat sink, absorbing 90% of the excess heat produced by humans burning fossil fuels.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
Definition of produce
Verb
  • Luis Mauricio Flores Ordonez, 33, was charged with owning an unregistered aircraft that was operated by another person.
    — Kelly O'Donnell, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • Roy Gillian began operating the business as Gillian’s Wonderland Pier in 1965.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of operate

Browse Nearby Words

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tend
tended
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Cite this Entry

“Tend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tend. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of tend for Spanish Speakers

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