1
as in spraying
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in planting
to put or set into the ground to grow
first sow the seeds in potting soil
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in breeding
to set permanently in the consciousness or mind-set
a malicious neighbor who sowed within him nagging suspicions about his wife
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sowing
The mayor called on ICE agents to leave the city, asserting that federal immigration authorities were ripping families apart and sowing chaos on Minneapolis streets.
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Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Trump had been sowing doubts about the integrity of the election since before the voting even started.
—Jamie Thompson, The Atlantic, 6 Jan. 2026
Advertisement But physicians, immunologists, and other medical experts have criticized the move as sowing distrust of vaccines and creating confusion among patients and healthcare providers.
—Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 6 Jan. 2026
By sowing the seeds in January, the cold temperatures will boost the germination rate.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 4 Jan. 2026
If planting from seed, Matter advises sowing seeds at the soil surface and covering them lightly.
—Rachel Gillett, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
In some cases, China has exaggerated its actual contributions, sowing mistrust about its agenda.
—Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
But after raining on Georgia’s parade once already this season, Alabama will be intent on sowing more discord among the Bulldogs' ranks with a repeat win in Atlanta.
—Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Dec. 2025
In many areas, fall is also a great time for sowing overwintering seeds of half-hardy annuals like calendula and nigella that need a winter chilling period (stratification) to germinate.
—Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sowing
Verb
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Always follow product instructions exactly, and avoid spraying when beneficial insects such as bees or ladybugs are present in the area.—
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If detected, they can be controlled by spraying the camellias with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.—
Verb
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For best results, choose a rich potting mix and amend garden soil with compost before planting.—
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When planting pea seeds, proper soil preparation is essential.—
Verb
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January is breeding season for the invasive snakes in Florida, and the species is known to congregate in breeding balls on elevated levees and tree islands.—
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Stephen and Kristi stand by their stellar reputation in the community, with more than 20 years of experience legally breeding, raising, and rescuing German Shepherds.—
Verb
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Cameras caught a clergy member sprinkling a little holy water on the Acrisure Stadium turf about two hours before kickoff on Sunday.—
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In the second season of Andor, Tony Gilroy continued his indictment of rising fascism, sprinkling the sci-fi tropes with grandstanding political drama, the impending doom of an action thriller, and a helping of French-resistance imagery, then tossing it all in a blender.—
Verb
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That’s not only a chance to take control of the division but also to position themselves well for seeding in the conference.—
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The Magic and Hawks are both 3-4 on the season and could be battling for seeding in the Eastern Conference.—
Verb
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Burn scars dotting our state from Paradise to Pacific Palisades show clearly his failure to prioritize fire prevention.—
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The city is in a valley, so nearly every building has a view—on this January morning, of fires dotting the hills and little, loud aircraft flying in all directions, like a mosquito swarm on a hot night.—
Cite this Entry
“Sowing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sowing. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
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